ephippium

noun

ephip·​pi·​um

-pēəm

plural ephippia

-pēə

1

: sella turcica

2

: a saddlelike chitinous thickening over the brood pouch of various cladocerans that when shed forms a bivalve capsule containing the winter eggs

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek ephippion saddlecloth, saddle, from neuter of ephippios for putting on a horse, from epi- + hippios of a horse, from hippos horse

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now