radula

rad·u·la   (rāj'ŏŏ-lə)    n.   pl. rad·u·lae (-lē') A flexible tonguelike organ in certain mollusks, having rows of horny teeth on the surface. [Latin rādula, scraper, from rādere, to scrape; see rēd- in Indo-European roots.] rad'u·lar adj.

Main Entry: rad·u·la
Pronunciation: 'raj-&-l&
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural rad·u·lae /-"lE,-"lI/ also -las
: a horny band or ribbon in mollusks other than bivalves that bears minute teeth on its dorsal surface and tears up food and draws it into the mouthand that in some members of the gastropod genus Conus is used to inflict a poisonous and sometimes fatal bite —rad·u·lar /-l&r/ adjective

radula

horny, ribbonlike structure found in the mouths of all mollusks except the bivalves. The radula, part of the odontophore, may be protruded, and it is used in drilling or in rasping food particles from a surface. It is supported by a cartilage-like mass and is covered with rows of many small teeth (denticles). New sections are constantly produced to replace those worn away at the front.

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