'Columbella mercatoria' definitions:

Definition of 'Columbella mercatoria'

From: GCIDE
  • Columbella \Col`um*bel"la\, n. [NL., dim. of L. columba a dove. So called from a fancied resemblance in color and form, of some species.] (Zool.) A genus of univalve shells, abundant in tropical seas. Some species, as Columbella mercatoria, were formerly used as shell money. [1913 Webster]