osculum

[ os-kyuh-luh m ]

/ ˈɒs kyə ləm /

a small mouthlike aperture, as of a sponge.

Origin of osculum

1605–15; < New Latin, Latin ōsculum, equivalent to ōs mouth + -culum -cule¹

Oscula circular or star-shaped, usually surrounded by radiating furrows; pores normally contained in single cells.

Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa |Nelson Annandale
The oscula are large and ragged on the edges; the shape is irregular.

The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide |Augusta Foote Arnold
Oscula numerous but minute and inconspicuous, never star-shaped.

Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa |Nelson Annandale
External membrane closely adherent to the sponge except immediately round the oscula.

Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa |Nelson Annandale

The external membrane in many Spongillid is prolonged round and above the oscula so as to form an oscular collar.

Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa |Nelson Annandale

osculum

/ (ˈɒskjʊləm) /

zoology a mouthlike aperture, esp the opening in a sponge out of which water passes

C17: from Latin: a kiss, little mouth, diminutive of ōs mouth

osculum

[ ŏs′kyə-ləm ]

A pore or minute opening.