Lexic.us

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)

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