peristome

noun

peri·​stome ˈper-ə-ˌstōm How to pronounce peristome (audio)
1
: the fringe of teeth surrounding the orifice of a moss capsule
2
: the region around the mouth in various invertebrates
peristomial adjective

Examples of peristome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Only when wet, the peristome surface is slippery for insects, so that most ant visitors become trapped. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2013 With the peristome teeth extended, the capsule is only about 1 millimeter wide, yet from afar the mosses often give a drab blackish impression. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2023 With the peristome teeth extended, the capsule is only about one millimeter wide, yet from afar the mosses often give a drab blackish impression. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2023 Under the microscope, the secret to the peristome’s slipperiness is clear. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peristome.' 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 peristoma, from peri- + Greek stoma mouth — more at stomach entry 1

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peristome was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near peristome

Cite this Entry

“Peristome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peristome. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

peristome

noun
peri·​stome ˈper-ə-ˌstōm How to pronounce peristome (audio)
: the area surrounding the mouth or cytostome of a protozoan
peristomial adjective
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