Definition of Ianthina
1. n. Any gastropod of the genus Ianthina, of which various species are found living in mid ocean; -- called also purple shell, and violet snail.
Definition of Ianthina
1. Noun. Any of the family Janthinidae of violet snails. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Medical Definition of Ianthina
1.
Any gastropod of the genus Ianthina, of which various species are found living in mid ocean; called also purple shell, and violet snail.
It floats at the surface by means of a raft, which it constructs by forming and uniting together air bubbles of hardened mucus. The Tyrian purple of the ancients was obtained in part from mollusks of this genus.
Alternative forms: janthina.
Origin: NL, fr. L. Ianthinus violet-blue, Gr.; violet + flower.
(19 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Ianthina
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