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

Osculum is a friendly; suavium, a tender; basium, an ardent kiss.

Dderlein's Hand-book of Latin Synonymes |Ludwig Dderlein
Osculum twice as broad as the central chamber, surrounded by a coronal of strong conical teeth, twice as long as its diameter.

Report on the Radiolaria Collected by H.M.S. Challenger During the Years 1873-1876, First Part: Porulosa (Spumellaria and Acantharia) |Ernst Haeckel
He introduced in his church the primitive custom of the “osculum pacis” and the “agape” celebrated as a common meal with broth.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 |Various
A mock sermon often concludes the night's proceedings, the ordinary salutation of the osculum in tergo being first given.

The Superstitions of Witchcraft |Howard Williams

Note the spicules covering the surface of the body, and the longer ones surrounding the osculum.

Elementary Zoology, Second Edition |Vernon L. Kellogg

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.