clitellum
noun
cli·tel·lum
klī-ˈte-ləm 
plural clitella
klī-ˈte-lə
: 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
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The color and the clitellum, or the collar-like ring around the worm near their heads, have more distinctions between the two.
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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
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
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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
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
Cite this Entry
“Clitellum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clitellum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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