janthina
noun
jan·thi·na
\ˈjan(t) thənə\
Definition of janthina
1 capitalized : the type genus of Janthinidae comprising pelagic snails of warm seas that have a thin spiral purple shell, a large head, and protrusible gills
2 plural -s : any snail of the genus Janthina
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Origin and Etymology of janthina
New Latin, from Latin ianthina, feminine of ianthinus violet-blue, from Greek ianthinos, from ion violet + anthos flower
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