: a conical pointed projection (such as a small tooth)
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One 2019 study assessed the effects of pH on shark skin denticles, specialized, scale-like structures embedded in shark skin made up of the same material as their teeth that aid sharks’ hydrodynamic and efficient movement through the water.—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 According to new research, the secret to its distinctive hue lies in its tooth-like scales, called dermal denticles, which contain guanine crystals and melanosomes that reflect and absorb wavelengths respectively.—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 14 July 2025 Just like real dermal denticles, these riblets guide airflow in a way that minimizes turbulence and resistance.—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 By attacking them from below, the orcas avoid the whale sharks' tough dorsal skin that has denticles embedded on the outside, with thick connective tissue beneath it.—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for denticle
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin denticulus, diminutive of dent-, dens
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