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moth (Zoöl.), any moth whose larva constructs an earthen cocoon under the soil. -- Mason shell (Zoöl.), a marine univalve shell of the genus Phorus; -- so called because it cements other shells and pebbles upon its own shell; a carrier shell. -- Mason wasp (Zoöl.), any wasp that constructs its nest, or brood cells, o…

To cause to be mechanical. Shelley.

One of a group of univalve shells, having a large aperture or mouth.

One of a family of fresh-water pectinibranchiate mollusks, having a turret-shaped shell.

A large, ornamental, marine, univalve shell of the genus Melo. Melon beetle (Zoöl.), a small leaf beetle (Diabrotiea vittata), which damages the leaves of melon vines. -- Melon cactus, Melon thistle. (a) (Bot.) A genus of cactaceous plants (Melocactus) having a fleshy and usually globose stem with the surface divided…

n, not made in person, but delivered by a messenger; as, the President's message. Message shell. See Shell.

An accumulation of refuse about a dwelling place; especially, an accumulation of shells or of cinders, bones, and other refuse on the supposed site of the dwelling places of prehistoric tribes, -- as on the shores of the Baltic Sea and in many other places. See Kitchen middens.

A genus of Foraminifera, having a porcelanous shell with several longitudinal chambers.

A fossil shell of, or similar to, the genus Miliola.

A carrier shell (Phorus).

. The term is used especially when the pieces form a right angle. See Miter, 2. -- Miter shell (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of marine univalve shells of the genus Mitra. -- Miter square (Carp.), a bevel with an immovable arm at an angle of 45º, for striking lines on stuff to be mitered; also, a square with an…

a pulmonary cavity. They are generally more or less covered and protected by a calcareous shell, which may be univalve, bivalve, or multivalve.

An order of lamellibranchs having but one muscle for closing the shell, as the oyster.

A short piece of ordnance, used for throwing bombs, carcasses, shells, etc., at high angles of elevation, as 45º, and even higher; - - so named from its resemblance in shape to the utensil above described. Mortar bed (Mil.), a framework of wood and iron, suitably hollowed out to receive the breech and trunnions of a mo…

The hard pearly internal layer of several kinds of shells, esp. of pearl oysters, river mussels, and the abalone shells; nacre. See Pearl.

ntry when discovered by Europeans. -- Mound maker (Zoöl.), any one of the megapodes. -- Shell mound, a mound of refuse shells, collected by aborigines who subsisted largely on shellfish. See Midden, and Kitchen middens.

Having numerous ribs, or costæ, as the leaf of a plant, or as certain shells and corals.

Having many or several cells or compartments; as, a multilocular shell or capsule.

aving numerous spiral coils round a center or nucleus; -- said of the opercula of certain shells.

Any mollusk which has a shell composed of more than two pieces.