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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


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Derived Forms

  • rosˈtellate, adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rostellum1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rostellum1

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

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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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rostellateRosten