Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

epitheca

noun
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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Other Words from epitheca

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

History and Etymology for epitheca

New Latin, from epi- + -theca

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about epitheca

Dictionary Entries near epitheca

epitasis

epitaxy

epithalamium

epitheca

epithecium

epithel-

epitheli-

Statistics for epitheca

Look-up Popularity

Comments on epitheca

What made you want to look up epitheca? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

tergiversation

evasion of direct action or statement

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz

  • scrabble-tiles-that-read-scrabble-quiz
  • Which of the following Q-without-U words means the number five in cards or dice?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games