squama

[skwey-muh]

noun

plural

squamae 

1. a scale or scalelike part, as of epidermis or bone.

squama

/ ˈskweɪmə, ˈskweɪmeɪt /

noun

1. biology a scale or scalelike structure

Other Word Forms

• squamate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squama¹

First recorded in 1700–10, squama is from the Latin word squāma scale

Word History and Origins

Origin of squama¹

C18: from Latin

Example Sentences

Calypter: Diptera; the alula or squama when it covers the haltere.

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The "porcupine-man" seen by Baker contracted small-pox, and his skin was temporarily freed from the squamae, but these reappeared shortly afterward.

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