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Glite Dictionary
denticle

denticle

9.8
A small pointed bump on the hard outer body of an insect or spider
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛntɪkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dentículo
  • The shark's skin is covered in small, pointed projections called denticles that help reduce drag while swimming.

Examples

  • A denticle can help in the identification of certain species.

  • The surface of the beetle's wing is covered in tiny denticles that provide extra grip.

  • Some species of spiders have distinct denticles along their leg joints.

  • Under the microscope, the exoskeleton reveals hundreds of minute denticles forming a protective texture.

  • The crab's shell was covered in tiny denticles.

  • Researchers discovered that the denticles on the exoskeleton of certain crustaceans provide added protection from predators.

  • Under the microscope, we could see the tiny denticles that give the surface of the fish a rough texture.

How Pointed

spine
40 4.1
denticle
  • Specialized
9.8
tubercle
  • Specialized
1 9.9
nodule
6 7.0
bump
118 2.5

Surface Forms

denticle singular
denticles plural

Morphology

denticle = dent (semi-transparent) = dent + icle

The root 'dent' is recognizable, but the suffix '-icle' is a Latin diminutive uncommon in everyday English, so the precise sense 'small tooth-like projection' may not be fully guessable for average learners.

Etymology

Denticle comes from the Latin root dent meaning 'tooth' and the small ending -icle meaning 'small'. So a denticle is a 'small tooth', which helps you remember it as a tiny, pointed bump on the outer shell of an insect or spider.