pygidium

noun

py·​gid·​i·​um pī-ˈji-dē-əm How to pronounce pygidium (audio)
plural pygidia pī-ˈji-dē-ə How to pronounce pygidium (audio)
: a caudal structure or the terminal body region of various invertebrates
pygidial adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pygidion, diminutive of pygē rump

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pygidium was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near pygidium

Cite this Entry

“Pygidium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pygidium. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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