sclerite

[skleer-ahyt, skler-]

noun Zoology.

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

Origin of sclerite

First recorded in 1860–65; scler- + -ite¹

Related formsscle·rit·ic

[skli-rit-ik] /sklɪˈrɪt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for sclerite

Historical Examples of sclerite

Platelet: a little plate or sclerite of chitin in a membrane.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Prosternum: the fore-breast: the sclerite between the fore-legs.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Axillary lobe: the sclerite covering the base of the wing in Diptera; see also alula and posterior lobe.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Epilabrum: a sclerite at each side of the labrum: specifically applied in myriapods.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Mesepimeron: in Odonata: the sclerite between humeral and first lateral suture.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for sclerite

sclerite

noun zoology

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

Derived Formsscleritic (sklɪəˈrɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for sclerite

C19: from sclero- + -ite 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012