Sculpture (mollusc) - List of Terms

List of Terms

• Axial sculpture - Sculpture running parallel to the axis of coiling, an imaginary line through the apex of a shell about which the whorls are coiled.
• Bead - A small hemispherical protuberance resembling a bead, similar to but smaller than a nodule.
• Beaded - resembling rows or strings of beads.
• Growth line - A fine transverse line marking the growth of the shell.
• Lira, lirate - ornamented with fine thread-like lines or grooves.
• Longitudinal sculpture - Sculpture following the direction of the axis of the shell.
• Nodule - A rounded protuberance on the shell sculpture; larger than a bead.
• Nodose, Nodulose, Nodular - Bearing small rounded protuberances or tubercules.
• Ornament - Can refer to surface sculpture standing out in relief on shell surface; or simply to sculpture as a whole.
• Plait - Folds on the columella.
• Pustule - A very fine knob-like protrusion, smaller than a tubercule.
• Reticulate - Sculpture consisting of a criss-crossing network of riblets, threads, or grooves.
• Rib - A strong ridge on the surface of the shell.
• Riblet - Smaller than a rib, but coarser than a thread.
• Spiral sculpture - Sculpture following the spiral growth of the shell.
• Stria (plural striae) - A shallow incised groove.
• Striate - Ornamented with striae.
• Thread - A very fine riblet.
• Transverse sculpture - Sculpture parallel to the edge of the outer lip of the aperture.
• Tubercle - Elevated knob-like projections or protrusions; larger than a pustule.
• Varicose - Bearing one or more varices.