gill slit

noun

Definition of gill slit

1 : any of the openings or clefts between the gill arches in vertebrates that breathe by gills through which water taken in at the mouth passes to the exterior and so bathes the gills

2 : any of the rudimentary grooves in the neck region of the embryos of air-breathing vertebrates that correspond to the gill slits

3 : the external opening to the cavity containing the gills when a protective covering of the gills is present

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But to breathe, most pull oxygen-containing water into their mouths and pump it through their gill chambers before expelling it out of their gill slits. — Alex Fox, Science | AAAS, "Top stories: The science of false confessions, transforming blood types, and Brazil’s war on drugs," 14 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gill slit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of gill slit was in 1854

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gill slit

noun

Medical Definition of gill slit

: one of the openings or clefts between the gill arches in vertebrates that breathe by gills through which water taken in at the mouth passes to the exterior and bathes the gills also : branchial cleft