Definition of operculum
plural opercula
play
\ō-ˈpər-kyə-lə\
also operculums
1
: a body process or part that suggests a lid: such as
a
: a horny or shelly plate on the posterior dorsal surface of the foot in many gastropod mollusks that closes the shell when the animal is retracted
b
: the covering of the gills of a fish — see fish illustration
2
: a lid or covering flap (as of a moss capsule)
