mastigobranchia

noun

mas·​ti·​go·​bran·​chia
ˌmastə̇gōˈbraŋkēə
plural mastigobranchiae
-kēˌē
: a process of the thoracic limbs of decapod crustaceans resembling a brush and used for cleaning the gills
mastigobranchial
¦⸗⸗⸗¦braŋkēəl
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from mastig- + -branchia (gill)

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Cite this Entry

“Mastigobranchia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastigobranchia. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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