‖n.; pl. L. Ianthinæ E. Ianthinas [ NL., fr. L. ianthinus violet-blue, Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; violet + &unr_; flower. ] (Zool.) Any gastropod of the genus Ianthina, of which various species are found living in mid ocean; -- called also purple shell, and violet snail. [ Written also janthina. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ It floats at the surface by means of a raft, which it constructs by forming and uniting together air bubbles of hardened mucus. The Tyrian purple of the ancients was obtained in part from mollusks of this genus. [ 1913 Webster ]