clitellum

noun

cli·​tel·​lum klī-ˈte-ləm How to pronounce clitellum (audio)
plural clitella klī-ˈte-lə How to pronounce clitellum (audio)
: a thickened glandular section of the body wall of some annelids that secretes a viscid sac in which the eggs are deposited

Examples of clitellum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As for identifying the worms, their clitellum — the lightly colored band that wraps around their body — will often be a milky white color. al, 4 May 2021 The color and the clitellum, or the collar-like ring around the worm near their heads, have more distinctions between the two. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 26 July 2022 In contrast, the clitellum of common earthworms is raised rather than smooth and does not wrap entirely around the worm. oregonlive, 6 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clitellum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, alteration of Latin clitellae packsaddle

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clitellum was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near clitellum

Cite this Entry

“Clitellum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clitellum. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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