dentalium

[ den-tey-lee-uh m ]

/ dɛnˈteɪ li əm /

any tooth shell of the genus Dentalium.

Origin of dentalium

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

Some of the incised designs on dentalium shells are shown in Figs. 117 and 118.

The Archaeology of the Yakima Valley |Harlan Ingersoll Smith
Some of the larger species of Dentalium from deep-sea stations are four to five inches in length.

The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide |Augusta Foote Arnold
Dentalium shells were found in all parts of the excavation but were most numerous in the northeastern parts.

The Archaeology of the Yakima Valley |Harlan Ingersoll Smith
One dentalium shell found among the refuse of a rock-slide grave near the head of Priest Rapids.

The Archaeology of the Yakima Valley |Harlan Ingersoll Smith

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

A Conchological Manual |George Brettingham Sowerby

dentalium

/ (dɛnˈteɪlɪəm) /

any scaphopod mollusc of the genus Dentalium See tusk shell

C19: New Latin, from Medieval Latin dentālis dental