glochidium

[ gloh-kid-ee-uhm ]

noun,plural glo·chid·i·a [gloh-kid-ee-uh]. /gloʊˈkɪd i ə/.
  1. the larva of a freshwater mussel of the family Unionidae that lives as a temporary parasite in the gills or on other external parts of fishes.

Origin of glochidium

1
1895–1900; <New Latin <Greek glōch(ís) point of an arrow + -idion diminutive suffix

Other words from glochidium

  • glo·chid·i·al, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for glochidium

glochidium

/ (ɡləʊˈkɪdɪəm) /


nounplural -chidia (-ˈkɪdɪə)
  1. a barbed hair, esp among the spore masses of water ferns and on certain other plants

  2. a parasitic larva of certain freshwater mussels that attaches itself to the fins or gills of fish by hooks or suckers

Origin of glochidium

1
C19: from New Latin, from Greek glōkhis projecting point

Derived forms of glochidium

  • glochidiate, adjective

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