Shell small to medium size, 3-30 mm, usually 6-12 mm, oval to low- or high-fusiform, usually with comparatively low spire, often with a shoulder angulation. Spiral and axial sculpture both well developed. Shell surface often bearing microsculpture of spirally aligned granules. Subsutural ramp usually not separated sculpturally. Anal sinus on subsutural ramp, shallow to rather deep, rarely tubular. Aperture normally not constrained with strong outgrowths or callus pads, rarely denticulate. Siphon rather short to moderately long. Protoconch typically multispiral, of up to five whorls, with axially ribbed protoconch II; spiral cords on protoconch II present or absent. When paucispiral, protoconch usually spirally lirate. Operculum present, with terminal nucleus (Oenopotinae), or normally absent. Radula of marginal teeth of very variable morphology. Teeth can be from semi-enrolled to true hypodermic. Frequently side projections around the base are present and there is large irregularly shaped 'root' projecting from the base. Barbs may be present, from small to very large or absent.Tooth canal opening laterally.