dentalium

[ den-tey-lee-uhm ]

noun

, plural den·ta·li·ums, den·ta·li·a.

1. any tooth shell of the genus Dentalium.

dentalium

/ dɛnˈteɪlɪəm /

noun

1. any scaphopod mollusc of the genus Dentalium See tusk shell

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentalium¹

1860–65; < New Latin < Medieval Latin dentāl ( is ) dental + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentalium¹

C19: New Latin, from Medieval Latin dentālis dental

Example Sentences

A long white shell, of the genus Dentalium, found on the coast.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not succeed in determining whether, as in Dentalium, this early localization in Lanice pre-exists in the unsegmented egg.

From Project Gutenberg

This order has been formed for the purpose of giving a place in the system to the genus Dentalium.

From Project Gutenberg

The only genus of shells described in this family is Dentalium, fig. 2, to which may be added Pharetrium, Knig.

From Project Gutenberg

They were not tattooed, but ears and noses were encumbered with pendants of dentalium and a small red glass bead.

From Project Gutenberg