parapodium

noun

para·​po·​di·​um ˌper-ə-ˈpō-dē-əm How to pronounce parapodium (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
plural parapodia ˌper-ə-ˈpō-dē-ə How to pronounce parapodium (audio)
ˌpa-rə-
1
: either of a pair of fleshy lateral processes borne by most segments of a polychaete worm
2
: a lateral expansion on each side of the foot usually forming a broad swimming organ in some gastropods
parapodial adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parapodium was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near parapodium

Cite this Entry

“Parapodium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parapodium. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on parapodium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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