pygidium
|py-gi-di-um|
C2
/pɪˈɡɪdiəm/
terminal tail segment
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pygidium' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'pygidion', where 'pygē' meant 'rump' or 'buttocks'.
Historical Evolution
'pygidion' passed into New Latin/Late Latin as 'pygidium' and was adopted into English scientific usage as 'pygidium'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'little rump or tail', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the terminal plate or segment of certain arthropods'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the posterior or terminal plate/segment of the abdomen in certain arthropods (e.g., some insects, crustaceans, and trilobites).
The specimen's pygidium showed distinct segmentation and ornamentation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/06 02:50