\Ven*tric"u*lite\, n. [See {Ventriculus}.]
(Paleon.)
Any one of numerous species of siliceous fossil sponges
belonging to {Ventriculites} and allied genera,
characteristic of the Cretaceous period.
Note: Many of them were shaped like vases, others like
      mushrooms. They belong to the hexactinellids, and are
      allied to the Venus's basket of modern seas.