wentletrap
/ˈwɛnt(ə)ltrap
/noun
A marine mollusc which has a tall spiral shell with many whorls that are ringed with oblique ridges. Also called staircase shell.
- Family Epitoniidae, class Gastropoda: numerous species, including the European common wentletrap (Clathrus clathrus).
- About 24 kinds of wentletraps have been recorded in North Carolina waters.
- While the flats near the jetty have a reputation for producing many of the smaller species including wentletraps, nothing noteworthy was found due at least in part to the height of the tide.
Origin
Mid 18th century: from Dutch wenteltrap, literally 'winding stair'.
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