Toxoglossa

plural noun

Tox·​o·​glos·​sa
ˌtäksəˈgläsə
: a group of marine carnivorous gastropods (suborder Stenoglossa) including the families Conidae and Terebridae and having the teeth of the radula reduced in number, large, and often perforated to serve as poison fangs with which a large poison gland in the esophagus communicates by slender ducts
toxoglossate
¦⸗⸗¦gläˌsāt
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from tox- entry 2 + -glossa; from the usually strongly barbed and arrowlike radula

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Toxoglossa

Cite this Entry

“Toxoglossa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Toxoglossa. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!