Definition of avicularium in English:
avicularium
nounPlural avicularia əˌvɪkjʊˈlɛːrɪəməˌvikyəˈlerēəm
Zoology (in some bryozoans) any of a number of modified zooids that take the form of a pair of snapping jaws resembling a bird's head, serving to prevent other organisms from settling on the colony.
Compare with vibraculum
Example sentencesExamples
- Adventitious avicularia and cortical zooidal polymorphs are not apparent.
- Several unusual groups have developed a free living life mode, where the colony is physically supported by specialized modules, avicularia supported.
- Enlarged avicularia on zooids at row bifurcations, on branch margins, and adjacent to ovicells are generally similar to those in M. auriculatum.
- The autozooids are flanked by spines and there are also a few avicularia.
Origin
Mid 19th century: modern Latin, from avicula, diminutive of avis 'bird'.