Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
denticle
This is a technical term used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, specifically in biology, zoology, and botany. It is not a word used in everyday conversation unless the speaker is discussing anatomy or natural history. The term describes a structure that resembles a tooth in shape or composition but is significantly smaller and serves a different primary function, such as protection or hydrodynamics.
In zoology, it most commonly refers to dermal denticles (placoid scales) found on sharks and rays. These are not "teeth" in the sense of oral organs for chewing, but rather structural elements of the skin that reduce turbulence and protect the animal.
In botany, the term describes small, tooth-like serrations on the edge of a leaf or a petal. When using this word, the register is formal and academic; using it in a casual setting would be perceived as overly clinical or pedantic.
Meanings
Examples
The shark skin feels like sandpaper because of each tiny denticle.
Each dermal denticle helps the shark reduce drag while swimming.
Look at how the light reflects off the surface of the denticle under the microscope.
The edge of the leaf is lined with a small denticle.
These placoid scales are essentially a modified denticle.
These placoid scales are essentially a modified denticle.
I wonder if the denticle structure varies between different shark species.
The researcher examined the shape of the denticle to identify the specimen.
A single denticle consists of a pulp cavity and a hard enamel layer.
The rough texture is caused by thousands of overlapping denticles.
The rough texture is caused by thousands of overlapping denticles.