-branchia I. noun plural combining form Etymology: New Latin, from Latin branchia : ones having (such or so many) gills — in taxonomic names in zoology < Cryptobranchia > < Tetrabranchia > II. noun combining form (plural-branchi·ae \-ēˌē\) Etymology: New Latin, from Latin branchia : gill < podobranchia > : organ like a gill < pulmobranchia >