clitellum
[klahy-tel-uh m]
- 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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Origin of clitellum
1830–40; < New Latin, neuter noun based on Latin clītellae packsaddle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for clitellum
Historical Examples
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
- 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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Word Origin
C19: from New Latin, from Latin clītellae (plural) packsaddle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for clitellum
n.
"raised band around an earthworm," 1816, Modern Latin, from Latin clitellae "a pack-saddle," diminutive of *clitra "litter," from PIE *klei-tro-, from root *klei- (see lean (v.)). Related: Clitellar.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper