any of the numerous cone-shaped units that make up the compound eyes of some arthropods
Derived forms
ommatidial (ˌommaˈtidial)
adjective
Word origin
C19: via New Latin from Greek ommatidion, from omma eye
ommatidium in American English
(ˌɑməˈtɪdiəm)
nounWord forms: pluralˌommaˈtidia
any of the structuralelements forming the compound eye of an insect, many crustaceans, etc.: each element is a complete photoreceptor in itself, having a lens, pigment, light-sensitive cells, etc.
Derived forms
ommatidial (ˌommaˈtidial)
adjective
Word origin
ModL, dim. < Gr omma (gen. ommatos), the eye, akin to ōps, eye