janthina

noun

jan·​thi·​na
ˈjan(t) thənə
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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin ianthina, feminine of ianthinus violet-blue, from Greek ianthinos, from ion violet + anthos flower

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Cite this Entry

“Janthina.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/janthina. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

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