| 释义 | epitheca
 epitheca(ˌɛpɪˈθiːkə) n, pl -cae (-siː)  (Zoology) the outer and older layer of the cell wall of a diatom. Compare hypotheca[C19: from epi- + theca]epitheca
 epitheca[¦ep·ə′thē·kə]  (invertebrate zoology) An external, calcareous layer around the basal portion of the theca of many corals. A protective covering of the epicone. The outer portion of a diatom frustule. |