parapodium

American  

[par-uh-poh-dee-uhm] / ˌpær əˈpoʊ di əm /

noun

Zoology.

plural

parapodia

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

---

parapodium British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of parapodium

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

Example Sentences

The worm, named Pectinereis strickrotti, has an elongated body that is flanked by a row of feathery, gill-tipped appendages called parapodia on either side, and Rouse said its sinuous swimming reminded him of a snake.

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 fins of Pteropods are now interpreted as the expanded lateral margins of the foot, termed parapodia, not homologous with the siphon of Cephalopods which is formed from epipodia.

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