scutellum

noun

scu·​tel·​lum skü-ˈte-ləm How to pronounce scutellum (audio)
skyü-
plural scutella skü-ˈte-lə How to pronounce scutellum (audio)
skyü-
1
: a hard plate or scale (as on the thorax of an insect or the tarsus of a bird)
2
: the shield-shaped cotyledon of a monocotyledon (such as a grass)
scutellar adjective

Examples of scutellum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shield Bugs Found globally, these insects are named for their outsized scutellum, from the Latin word scutum, meaning shield. National Geographic, 23 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scutellum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, diminutive of Latin scutum shield

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scutellum was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near scutellum

Cite this Entry

“Scutellum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scutellum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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