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murex

noun
mu·rex | \ˈmyu̇r-ˌeks \
plural murices\ˈmyu̇r-ə-ˌsēz \ or murexes

Definition of murex 

: any of a genus (Murex of the family Muricidae) of marine gastropod mollusks having a rough and often spiny shell, abounding in tropical seas, and yielding a purple dye

First Known Use of murex

1589, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for murex

New Latin, from Latin, mollusk yielding a purple dye; akin to Greek myak-, myax mussel

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Dictionary Entries near murex

Murena

murenger

Mures

murex

murexan

murexide reaction

Murfreesboro

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The first known use of murex was in 1589

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