noun
Japanese ivory shell; Japanese Babylon
A type of whelk or sea snail, often used in Japanese cuisine. The name refers to the shell's ivory-like appearance.
See also: バイ
バイ貝のつぼ焼きは酒のつまみに最高だ。
Grilled Japanese ivory shell is a great snack with sake.
市場で新鮮なバイ貝を買った。
I bought fresh Japanese Babylon shells at the market.
バイ is the katakana loanword for the same shellfish, often used in menus or scientific contexts. バイ貝 adds the kanji 貝 (shell) for clarity.
The name バイ貝 combines the katakana バイ (from the English 'ivory' or possibly from the Latin 'Babylon') with the kanji 貝 (shell). The exact origin of バイ is uncertain, but it is used for several species of whelks.