dentalium

[den-tay-lee-uhm]

dentalium Definition

a tusk-shaped shell of certain marine mollusks, especially those of the genus Dentalium, used in some cultures as currency, jewelry, or ornamentation.

Using dentalium: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dentalium" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest used dentalium shells as a form of currency.

  • Example

    Dentalium shells were also used to make necklaces and other adornments.

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Summary: dentalium in Brief

'Dentalium' [den-tay-lee-uhm] is a noun that refers to a tusk-shaped shell of certain marine mollusks, particularly those of the genus Dentalium. These shells have been used as currency, jewelry, or ornamentation by various cultures. For example, the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest used dentalium shells as a form of currency and to make necklaces and other adornments.