labrum
1
9.9
The outer lip around a snail shell opening that forms the edge
- noun
- /ˈleɪbrəm/
- Specialized
:
labro
- Damage to the labrum can affect the overall appearance of the shell.
Examples
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Collectors often examine the labrum to identify different species of molluscs.
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The labrum of the snail is beautifully curved.
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The labrum of the snail shell was smooth and slightly curved.
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I found a shell with a shiny labrum on the beach.
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The labrum of the shell had a beautiful, iridescent sheen that caught the light.
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In examining the mollusc, scientists noted the distinctive patterns on the labrum.
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The researcher carefully measured the width of the labrum to assess the health of the species.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Labrum comes from Latin labrum, meaning 'lip' or 'edge'. So the labrum of a shell is the shell's outer 'lip' or rim, the visible edge around its opening.