parapodium

[par-uh-poh-dee-uhm]

noun

Zoology.

plural

parapodia 

1. one of the unjointed rudimentary limbs or processes of locomotion of many worms, as annelids.

parapodium

/ ˌpærəˈpəʊdɪəm /

noun

1. any of the paired unjointed lateral appendages of polychaete worms, used in locomotion, respiration, etc

2. any of various similar appendages of other invertebrates, esp certain molluscs

Other Word Forms

• parapodial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parapodium¹

First recorded in 1875–80; para- ¹ + -podium

Word History and Origins

Origin of parapodium¹

New Latin: from _para- ¹ + _-podium

Example Sentences

They have elongated bodies with rows of bristled parapodia on their sides and a hidden set of pincer-shaped jaws that can be extruded for feeding.

From Science Daily

It is probable also, as already mentioned, that the leaf-like appendages of the Phyllopoda are of a primitive type, and attempts have been made to refer their structure to that of the Annelid parapodium.

From Project Gutenberg

No other member of the group is known to have any trace of setae or parapodia at any stage of development.

From Project Gutenberg

The dorsal surface of the kidney extends to the left beyond the shell-chamber beneath the skin in the space between the shell-chamber and the left parapodium.

From Project Gutenberg

The somites have well-marked parapodia, and the second and third, as well as the first, may give rise to tentacles which are directed forward, and thus contribute to form “the head.”

From Project Gutenberg