clitellum
[klahy-tel-uh m]
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noun, plural cli·tel·la [klahy-tel-uh] /klaɪˈtɛl ə/.
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.
Origin of clitellum
1830–40; < New Latin, neuter noun based on Latin clītellae packsaddle
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for clitellum
Historical Examples of clitellum
Clitellum not present as a definite organ, as in Oligochaeta.
Clitellum, kli-tel′um, n. the saddle of an annelid, as the earthworm:—pl.
Clitellum always present, extending over two (many limicolous forms) to forty-five segments (Alma).
Clitellum generally only two or three segments and more anterior in position than in Terricolae.
Clitellum commonly extensive and more posterior in position than in other groups.
clitellum
noun plural -la (-lə)
Word Origin for clitellum
C19: from New Latin, from Latin clītellae (plural) packsaddle
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