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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.”

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