« Shell forming an elongated pyramid with a broadish base (which is excavated), thinner than the last species [tubercularis], nearly semitransparent, and glossy. Sculpture, that of C. tubercularis except in not having any basal ridge, and in the whole surface being marked by numerous microscopical lines of growth; […] Colour pale yellowish-white, with a faint tinge of brown. Spire regularly tapering; the terminal portion becomes abruptly narrower, as in the preceding species. Whorls 12, compressed; the last slightly exceeds one-third of the shell. Suture deeply channelled. Mouth irregularly rhomboidal, truncated at the base, but not so abruptly as in the last species. […] Outer lip forming an obtuse angle, with a gentle curve, not prominent, having a thin edge, which is scalloped by the spiral ridges; inside grooved from the same cause; this lip is inflected at the upper corner of the mouth on the peripheral ridge, without forming a distinct sinus, nor does it retreat or slope backwards. Inner lip rather broad, thicker on the lower part of the pillar, continuous with the outer lip at the upper corner. Pillar very short, slightly curved. Operculum thin, yellowish, without any perceptible spire, very faintly striated. » – J. G. Jeffreys: British conchology vol. IV, London 1867 pp.268-269. The species differs from the other members of the genus by its smooth base.

Protoconch: « …the top whorls are also glossy, but the succeeding two, instead of being smooth, are finely and closely striated in the direction of the spire. » The canal is « semitubular, somewhat curved, exhibiting outside a deep and obliquely rounded notch at the base […] In memory of my late friend and brother conchologist, Mr. George Barlee. »