branchiostegal

[ brang-kee-os-ti-guhl ]

noun

Also called branchiostegal ray . one of the long, curved bones just below the operculum, supporting the gill membranes.

adjective

of or relating to the branchiostegals.

Origin of branchiostegal

First recorded in 1740–50; branchio- + steg(o)- + -al¹

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British Dictionary definitions for branchiostegal

branchiostegal

/ (ˌbræŋkɪəˈstiːɡəl) /

adjective

zoology of or relating to the operculum covering the gill slits of fish: branchiostegal membrane; branchiostegal rays

Origin of branchiostegal

from branchia + Greek stegos roof

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

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