operculum

noun oper·cu·lum \ō-ˈpər-kyə-ləm\

plural oper·cu·la\-lə\ also oper·cu·lums

Definition of OPERCULUM

: a body process or part that suggests a lid: 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

: a lid or covering flap (as of a moss capsule)

New Latin, from Latin, cover, from operire to shut, cover

First Known Use: 1681

Medical Dictionary

noun oper·cu·lum \ō-ˈpər-kyə-ləm\

plural oper·cu·la \-lə\ also oper·cu·lums

: any of several parts of the cerebrum bordering the sylvian fissure and concealing the insula

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