vibraculum
[ vahy-brak-yuh-luh m ]
/ vaɪˈbræk yə ləm /
noun, plural vi·brac·u·la [vahy-brak-yuh-luh] /vaɪˈbræk yə lə/.
any of the modified polyps on the surface of certain bryozoan colonies, having a long, whiplike appendage that clears away debris.
Origin of vibraculum
OTHER WORDS FROM vibraculum
vi·brac·u·lar, adjective vi·brac·u·loid, adjectiveWords nearby vibraculum
Example sentences from the Web for vibraculum
Opening of cell broad oval, pointed below; three short indistinct spines above; vibraculum large, sinus deep.
Character: (B.) cells rhomboidal, sinuated on the outer side for the lodgment of a vibraculum.
Vibraculum, vī-brak′ū-lum, n. one of the long whip-like appendages of the cells of some Polyzoa:—pl.
Cells elongate, external side nearly straight, vibraculum sublateral, very prominent.
British Dictionary definitions for vibraculum
vibraculum
/ (vaɪˈbrækjʊləm) /
noun plural -la (-lə)
zoology
any of the specialized bristle-like polyps in certain bryozoans, the actions of which prevent parasites from settling on the colony
Derived forms of vibraculum
vibracular, adjective vibraculoid, adjectiveWord Origin for vibraculum
C19: from New Latin, from Latin
vibrāre to brandish