[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/denticle/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [D](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/d/) / denticle

# denticle

noun (a denticle, denticles)

«denticle» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (science) One of the tiny tooth-like scales that cover the skin of sharks and rays, making it feel rough like sandpaper; also called «dermal denticles». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#m1)
2. Any small tooth or tooth-shaped bump, for example on a leaf edge, insect leg or shell. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#m2)

### In the lessons

In science lessons on sea animals and adaptation, shark skin is covered in denticles that point backwards; they reduce drag, help sharks swim fast and quietly, and stop barnacles and algae sticking. Engineers copied them (biomimicry) for swimsuits, boat hulls and hospital surfaces. Phrases: «dermal denticles», «shark denticles».

### Examples

- Shark skin is covered in tiny denticles. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#x1)
- Stroke a shark from tail to head and the denticles feel like sandpaper. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#x2)
- Denticles help sharks glide through the water. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#x3)
- Scientists copied shark denticles to make faster swimsuits. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#x4)
- Each denticle is built like a tiny tooth. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#x5)
- Under the microscope, the denticles looked like little ridged shields. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/#x6)

### Note

Said «DEN-tih-kul». Plural: denticles. It comes from Latin «dens», tooth (as in «dentist»). Fun fact: a shark's denticles are made of the same materials as teeth (enamel-like outer layer and dentine), not the same as fish scales.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «denticle» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/denticle/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«denticle» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/denticle.html) on Mova free.