radula

rad·u·la

noun \ˈra-jə-lə\

plural rad·u·lae\-ˌlē, -ˌlī\ also rad·u·las

Definition of RADULA

: a horny band or ribbon in mollusks other than bivalves that bears minute chitinous teeth on its dorsal surface and scrapes or tears off food and draws it into the mouth

— rad·u·lar \-lər\ adjective

Origin of RADULA

New Latin, from Latin, scraper, from radere to scrape — more at rodent

First Known Use: circa 1859