glochidium

noun glo·chid·i·um \glō-ˈki-dē-əm\

plural -ia \-dē-ə\

Definition of GLOCHIDIUM

: the larva of a freshwater mussel (family Unionidae) that develops as an external parasite on fish

New Latin, from Greek glōchis projecting point + New Latin -idium

First Known Use: 1875

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