pedicellaria

noun

ped·​i·​cel·​lar·​ia
ˌpedəsəˈla(a)rēə
plural pedicellariae
-rēˌē
: any of various peculiar minute organs resembling forceps that are borne in large numbers on the external integument of sea urchins and starfish and also often on the spines of the latter and that have as their probable function keeping the body clear of small parasites and other foreign objects compare forcipulate

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from pedicellus pedicel + -aria

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Cite this Entry

“Pedicellaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedicellaria. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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