branchia

[ brang-kee-uh ]

noun

, Zoology.

, plural bran·chi·ae [brang, -kee-ee].

1. a gill.

branchia

/ ˈbræŋkɪə /

noun

1. a gill in aquatic animals

Derived Forms

• ˈbranchiˌate, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of branchia¹

1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin branchia “gill” (plural branchiae ), from Greek: bránchia “gills,” plural of bránchion “fin”

Example Sentences

Scutum and tergum articulated together, or overlapping each other; each branchia composed of a single plicated fold.

From Project Gutenberg

In these there are neither branchia nor osphradium, and the pallial chamber which retains its large opening serves as a lung.

From Project Gutenberg

Shell conical, not spiral; inferior pallial lobe transformed into a branchia.

From Project Gutenberg

Visceral mass and shell sinistral; inferior pallial lobe very prominent, and transformed into a branchia.

From Project Gutenberg

This has been called a branchial arm, not that it carried a branchia, but on account of its relation to the respiratory system.

From Project Gutenberg