scutellation

[ skyoot-l-ey-shuhn ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. a scutellate state or formation; a scaly covering, as on a bird's foot.
2. an arrangement of scutella or scales.

scutellation

/ ˌskjuːtɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the way in which scales or plates are arranged in an animal
2. a covering of scales or scutella, as on a bird's leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutellation¹

First recorded in 1870–75; scutell(um) + -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of scutellation¹

C19: New Latin, from scutella, plural of scutellum + -ation

Example Sentences

Examination of 18 specimens from Costa Rica shows no differences in scutellation, nor geographic segregation of two populations.

From Project Gutenberg

There are only ten tail-feathers, and the scutellation of the tarsus is like that of Xenicus.

From Project Gutenberg

The external scutellation of the plastral hinge in adults also differs from that in juveniles.

From Project Gutenberg

The scutellation of the cottonmouth closely resembles that of the other species of Agkistrodon.

From Project Gutenberg

The subspecies of P. deppei have been defined on characters of coloration and scutellation.

From Project Gutenberg