osculum

[os-kyuh-luhm]

noun

plural

oscula 

1. a small mouthlike aperture, as of a sponge.

osculum

/ ˈɒskjʊləm /

noun

1. zoology a mouthlike aperture, esp the opening in a sponge out of which water passes

Word History and Origins

Origin of osculum¹

1605–15; < New Latin, Latin ōsculum, equivalent to ōs mouth + -culum -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of osculum¹

C17: from Latin: a kiss, little mouth, diminutive of ōs mouth

Example Sentences

I. 145., has another imitation: "Exceptus gladio parvulus impio, Dum currit patrium natus ad osculum, Immatura focis victima concidit."

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This custom appears to have been very general in past times, and Mr. Henderson suggests that “it may possibly be a dim memorial of the osculum pacis, or the presentation of the Pax to the newly-married pair.”

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He introduced in his church the primitive custom of the “osculum pacis” and the “agape” celebrated as a common meal with broth.

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The newly liberated bud already possesses numerous minute pores, but as yet no osculum; its shape exhibits considerable variation, but the end that was farthest from the parent-sponge before liberation is always more or less rounded, while the other end is flat.

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They are never more than about a quarter of an inch in diameter and never possess more than one osculum.

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