rostellum

[ ro-stel-uhm ]

noun

, plural ros·tel·la [ro-, stel, -, uh].

1. Biology. any small, beaklike process.
2. Botany. a beaklike modification of the stigma in many orchids.
3. Zoology.
   1. a projecting part of the scolex in certain tapeworms.
   2. a part of the mouth in many insects, designed for sucking.

rostellum

/ rɒˈstɛləm /

noun

1. biology a small beaklike process, such as the hooked projection from the top of the head in tapeworms or the outgrowth from the stigma of an orchid

Derived Forms

• rosˈtellate, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rostellum¹

1750–60; < New Latin; Latin: little beak, snout, diminutive of rōstrum snout ( rostrum ); for formation, castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of rostellum¹

C18: from Latin: a little beak, from rōstrum a beak

Example Sentences

I want to know whether anything beats in modification the rostellum of Catasetum.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to discover whether rostellum yet retains some of its primordial function of being penetrated by pollen-tubes.

From Project Gutenberg

Asa Gray's observations on the rostellum of Gymnadenia are very imperfect, yet worth looking at.

From Project Gutenberg

I did think it possible or probable that perfect fertilisation might have been effected through rostellum.

From Project Gutenberg

One has a rostellum without hooks, like the tni of the vegetable-feeders, the other has hooks like those of the carnivora.

From Project Gutenberg