clitellum

American  

[klahy-tel-uhm] / klaɪˈtɛl əm /

noun

plural

clitella

1. a ring or saddle-shaped region of glandular tissue in the body wall of certain annelids, as earthworms and some leeches, that after copulation secretes a cocoon in which the eggs and sperm are deposited for fertilization and development.

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clitellum British  

/ klɪˈtɛləm /

noun

1. a thickened saddle-like region of epidermis in earthworms and leeches whose secretions bind copulating worms together and later form a cocoon around the eggs

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Etymology

Origin of clitellum

1830–40; < New Latin, neuter noun based on Latin clītellae packsaddle

Example Sentences

The worms can range in length from 4 to 8 inches and have a flat, milky white band called a clitellum that encircles the body, distinguishing it from other earthworms with pink raised bands, Ms. Flowers-Kimmerle said.

From Washington Times

Each earthworm will form an egg capsule in its clitellum and pass it into the environment.

From Washington Post

The swollen band is called a clitellum.

From Washington Post

Clitellum, kli-tel′um, n. the saddle of an annelid, as the earthworm:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg

Clitellum not present as a definite organ, as in Oligochaeta.

From Project Gutenberg