apodeme

noun

ap·​o·​deme
ˈapəˌdēm
variants or less commonly apodema
əˈpädəmə
plural apodemes
-ēmz
also apodemas
-əməz
or apodemata
ˌapəˈdemətə
: one of the internal ridges or ingrowths from the exoskeleton of most arthropods that support the internal organs, provide points of attachment for the muscles, and constitute the endoskeleton of the animal

Word History

Etymology

New Latin apodema, from apo- + -dema (from Greek demas body, bodily build); akin to Greek demein to build

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Dictionary Entries Near apodeme

Cite this Entry

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

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