sclerite

[ skleer-ahyt, skler- ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. any chitinous, calcareous, or similar hard part, plate, spicule, or the like.

sclerite

/ sklɪəˈrɪtɪk; ˈsklɪəraɪt /

noun

1. any of the hard chitinous plates that make up the exoskeleton of an arthropod
2. any calcareous or chitinous part, such as a spicule or plate

Derived Forms

• scleritic, adjective

Other Words From

• scle·rit·ic [skli-, rit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerite¹

First recorded in 1860–65; scler- + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sclerite¹

C19: from sclero- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Appendicle: a small appendix: in some bees, a small sclerite at tip of labrum.

From Project Gutenberg

Conjunctivus: a mandibular sclerite between the molar and basalis.

From Project Gutenberg

Submentum: the basal sclerite of the labium, by means of which it is attached to the head.

From Project Gutenberg

Fifth ventral sclerite of the male plainly visible; sternopleurals usually two.

From Project Gutenberg

Fifth ventral abdominal sclerite of the male cleft to beyond the middle; ventral sclerites usually visible, shield-like.

From Project Gutenberg