1.(Zool.) One of a pair of broad plates, developed from the outer maxillipeds of crabs, and forming a cover for the other mouth organs.
gnathostegite
gnathostegite
[nə′thäs·ə‚jīt] (invertebrate zoology) One of a pair of broad plates formed from the outer maxillipeds of some crustaceans, which function to cover other mouthparts.