vibraculum

[ vahy-brak-yuh-luhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural vi·brac·u·la [vahy-, brak, -y, uh, -l, uh].

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

vibraculum

/ vaɪˈbrækjʊləm /

zoology any of the specialized bristle-like polyps in certain bryozoans, the actions of which prevent parasites from settling on the colony

1850–55; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin vibrā ( re ) to shake + -culum -cule ²

C19: from New Latin, from Latin vibrāre to brandish

Vibraculum, vī-brak′ū-lum, n. one of the long whip-like appendages of the cells of some Polyzoa:—pl.

Opening of cell broad oval, pointed below; three short indistinct spines above; vibraculum large, sinus deep.

Cells elongate, external side nearly straight, vibraculum sublateral, very prominent.

Each marginal cell with a single large vibraculum in front below the mouth.

Character: (B.) cells rhomboidal, sinuated on the outer side for the lodgment of a vibraculum.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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