dentellature

Dentellature is a morphological feature describing the presence of small tooth-like projections along the margin of a biological structure. The term is used primarily in botany and malacology to describe edges that appear finely toothed, with tiny, rounded or subrounded projections. It is distinct from broader dentation or serration, and is sometimes treated as a formal descriptor in descriptive taxonomy.

In leaves, dentellate margins have small teeth along the edge, often giving a finely serrated appearance without continuous, sharp teeth. In shells and other hard-shelled organisms, dentellate margins occur along the sutures or outer edge, where tiny toothlets can aid in identification. In paleontological descriptions, dentellature may be used to characterize fossil shells that exhibit a similar marginal texture.

Taxonomic use of dentellature emphasizes descriptive precision; it can be a diagnostic feature when distinguishing closely related taxa. While common terms like dentate or serrate are frequently used in general descriptions, dentellature provides a more specific reference to very small marginal projections. It is related to, but distinct from, denticulate (very fine teeth) and from broader margins described as serrate or crenate.

See also: dentate; denticulate; serrate; crenate.