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vibracula

  • plural
    of vibraculum.
    vibraculum
    noun
    any of the modified polyps on the surface of certain bryozoan colonies, having a long, whiplike appendage that clears away debris.

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Polyzoarium entirely divided into ligulate dichotomous bi or multiserial branches; back nearly covered by large vibracula; avicularia sessile.

From Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. Including Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, Etc. to Which Is Added the Account of Mr. E.B. Kennedy's Expedition for the Exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. By John Macgillivray, F.R.G.S. Naturalist to the Expedition. — Volume 1 by John MacGillivray

The majority of the zoœcia in each zoarium are more or less distinctly flattened, but some of them are often modified to form "vibracula" and "avicularia."

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Nelson Annandale

When a branch was placed on its face, the vibracula became entangled, and they made violent efforts to free themselves.

From The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, 6th Edition by Charles Darwin

The walls of the vibracula are usually thin, and very transparent, so as to allow the outlines of the cells to be seen imperfectly through them.

From Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, Commanded By the Late Captain Owen Stanley, R.N., F.R.S. Etc. During the Years 1846-1850. Including Discoveries and Surveys in New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, Etc. to Which Is Added the Account of Mr. E.B. Kennedy's Expedition for the Exploration of the Cape York Peninsula. By John Macgillivray, F.R.G.S. Naturalist to the Expedition. — Volume 1 by John MacGillivray

Besides the avicularia, the polyzoa possess curious organs called vibracula.

From The Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, 6th Edition by Charles Darwin

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