denticle

noun

den·​ti·​cle ˈden-ti-kəl How to pronounce denticle (audio)
: a conical pointed projection (such as a small tooth)

Examples of denticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Stingray barbs are a kind of dermal denticle—like a tooth—on a tail that can be whipped around. Katharine Gammon, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024 Winning combination The authors of this latest paper focused on how the great white shark's denticles might reduce friction drag. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Aug. 2024 Enlarge / Great white sharks can reduce drag at different swimming speeds thanks to high and low ridged denticles in its skin. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Aug. 2024 Shark skin, too, is covered with dermal denticles—tiny teeth, which keep away the barnacles that plague whales. Katherine Rundell, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for denticle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'denticle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin denticulus, diminutive of dent-, dens

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of denticle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near denticle

Cite this Entry

“Denticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denticle. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

denticle

noun
den·​ti·​cle ˈdent-i-kəl How to pronounce denticle (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on denticle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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