glochidium

[gloh-kid-ee-uhm]

noun

plural

glochidia 

1. glochid.

2. the larva of a freshwater mussel of the family Unionidae that lives as a temporary parasite in the gills or on other external parts of fishes.

glochidium

/ ɡləʊˈkɪdɪəm /

noun

1. a barbed hair, esp among the spore masses of water ferns and on certain other plants

2. a parasitic larva of certain freshwater mussels that attaches itself to the fins or gills of fish by hooks or suckers

Other Word Forms

• glochidiate adjective
• glochidial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glochidium¹

1895–1900; < New Latin < Greek glōch ( ís ) point of an arrow + -idion diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of glochidium¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek glōkhis projecting point