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epitheca

noun
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epi·​theca | \ "+ \

Definition of epitheca

1 : an external calcareous layer investing the lower portion of the theca of many corals
2 : the outer or upper half or valve of the diatom frustule — compare hypotheca

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Other Words from epitheca

epithecal \ "+ \ or epithecate \ "+ \ adjective

History and Etymology for epitheca

New Latin, from epi- + -theca

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Cite this Entry

“Epitheca.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitheca. Accessed 18 January 2020.

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