pelta

noun

pel·​ta
ˈpeltə
plural peltae
-ˌtē,
-ˌtī
1
: a small light shield used by the ancient Greeks and Romans
2
[New Latin, from Latin] : a body of unknown function found in association with the blepharoplast of a flagellate

Word History

Etymology

Latin, small shield, from Greek peltē; perhaps akin to Latin pellis skin

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Dictionary Entries Near pelta

Cite this Entry

“Pelta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelta. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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