Definition of marsupium in English:
marsupium
nounPlural marsupia mɑːˈsuːpɪəmmɑrˈsupiəm
Zoology A pouch that protects eggs, offspring, or reproductive structures, especially the pouch of a female marsupial mammal.
Example sentencesExamples
- Their marsupium is well developed, opens to the rear, and contains only 2 teats.
- In some (but by no means all) species of marsupials, females develop a pouch or marsupium in which the young are nursed.
- Members of this family have a well developed marsupium that opens anteriorly.
- The eggs are carried by the female in an open marsupium.
- A marsupium is present and opens to the rear.
Origin
Mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek marsupion, diminutive of marsipos 'purse'.
Definition of marsupium in US English:
marsupium
nounmɑrˈsupiəmmärˈso͞opēəm
Zoology A pouch that protects eggs, offspring, or reproductive structures, especially the pouch of a female marsupial mammal.
Example sentencesExamples
- A marsupium is present and opens to the rear.
- Members of this family have a well developed marsupium that opens anteriorly.
- Their marsupium is well developed, opens to the rear, and contains only 2 teats.
- The eggs are carried by the female in an open marsupium.
- In some (but by no means all) species of marsupials, females develop a pouch or marsupium in which the young are nursed.
Origin
Mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek marsupion, diminutive of marsipos ‘purse’.