pluteus

noun

plu·​te·​us
ˈplütēəs
plural plutei
-ēˌī
also pluteuses
1
a
: a low wall or parapet in ancient Roman architecture
especially : one used as a partition between the bases of columns
b
: an ancient Roman reading desk or storage place for manuscripts
2
[New Latin, from Latin] : the free-swimming bilaterally symmetrical larva of a sea urchin or ophiuran distinguished by several slender anteriorly projecting processes enclosing calcareous rods

Word History

Etymology

Latin

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Dictionary Entries Near pluteus

Cite this Entry

“Pluteus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluteus. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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