radula

(rajo̵o lə)

noun pl. radulae

in most mollusks, a ribbonlike structure found in the mouth, bearing numerous rows of teeth, usually used to tear up food and take it into the mouth

Origin: ModL < L, scraper < radere, to scrape: see rat

Related Forms:

See radula in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. rad·u·lae (-lēˌ)
A flexible tonguelike organ in certain mollusks, having rows of horny teeth on the surface.

Origin:

Origin: Latin rādula, scraper

Origin: , from rādere, to scrape; see rēd- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • radˈu·lar adjective

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