avicularium

[uh-vik-yuh-lair-ee-uhm]

noun

Zoology.

plural

avicularia 

1. a protective zooid of a bryozoan colony, having movable jaws that can be snapped shut.

Other Word Forms

• avicularian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of avicularium¹

From New Latin; avi-, -cule ¹, -arium

Example Sentences

It would thus be correct to say--that each cell is furnished with two lateral processes, each of which in the fully developed state consists of three distinct compartments--one superior, a cup or spine: a middle one, which is the avicularium: and an inferior; and it would appear that one or more of these elementary compartments of the lateral process may be more developed than the next, or sometimes entirely aborted.

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And what is worthy of remark, these terminal ovicells always have a sessile avicularium on the summit.

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Its peculiar characteristics are the perforated and striated scutiform area on the front of the cell and the perforated, or apparently perforated pyramidal lateral processes above each avicularium; these processes are much developed, and give the cell the form of a broad inverted shear-head.

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The prehensile part of the avicularium itself small, seated in a deep notch below the acuminate summit; lateral area large and well defined.

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It also wants the raised bands which in C. amphora pass from the sides of the mouth to the apex of the avicularium in front.

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