-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
gill arch
noun
1
: any of the bony or cartilaginous arches or curved bars extending dorsoventrally and placed one behind the other on each side of the pharynx and supporting the gills of fishes and amphibians
2
: any of the rudimentary ridges in the embryos of all higher vertebrates that correspond to the gill arches
Examples of gill arch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In fish, this structure goes on to form the gill arch.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 7 July 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near gill arch
Cite this Entry
“Gill arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gill%20arch. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
gill arch
noun1
: one of the several bars of bone or cartilage that occur in pairs with one of each pair on each side of the throat and that support the gills of fishes and amphibians
2
: one of the undeveloped ridges that occur in the embryos of all higher vertebrates and correspond to the gill arches of fishes and amphibians
Medical Definition
gill arch
noun
: one of the bony or cartilaginous arches or curved bars extending dorsoventrally and placed one behind the other on each side of the pharynx and supporting the gills of fishes and amphibians
also
: branchial arch
More from Merriam-Webster on gill arch
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gill arch
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share