[1] The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek word glykymaris (perhaps from Glykys (sweet) and Meris (part)), a word which is only recorded once in Greek literature.

Genus Glycymeris includes about 100 extinct species.

[2][3] The shells are generally biconvex, with equal valves round in outline, and slightly longer than wide.

These clams are a facultatively mobile infaunal suspension feeders.

They are widespread on shallow seabeds consisting of heterogeneous-grained sediments.