Main Entry:

rad·u·la

Pronunciation:

\ˈra-jə-lə\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

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

Etymology:

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

Date:

circa 1859

: 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