operculum
|o-per-cu-lum|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑːpərˈkjuːləm/
🇬🇧
/ˌɒpəˈkjuːləm/
small lid/cover
Etymology
'operculum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'operculum', where the root 'operire' meant 'to cover' and the suffix '-culum' was a diminutive or instrument suffix meaning 'little' or 'means of'.
'operculum' entered scientific English from New/Modern Latin (used in anatomical and biological contexts) without major change in form; the Latin 'operculum' was borrowed into English as the technical term 'operculum'.
Initially it meant 'a small lid or cover' in Latin; over time it retained this core sense but became specialized in English to denote specific biological and anatomical 'cover' structures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a lidlike structure or flap that covers an aperture; in zoology, frequently the bony or membranous cover protecting the gills of fishes (the gill cover).
The fish's operculum opened and closed as it pumped water over its gills.
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Noun 2
in malacology (study of mollusks), a calcareous or horny plate that closes the aperture of certain gastropod shells when the animal retracts.
The snail withdrew into its shell and sealed the opening with its operculum.
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Noun 3
in botany, a lid or cap on a capsule or sporangium that detaches to release spores or seeds.
When mature, the capsule splits and the operculum falls off to release the seeds.
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Last updated: 2025/12/28 19:31