cryp·to·bran·chia \ˌkriptəˈbraŋkēə\noun plural alsocryp·to·bran·chi·a·ta\-ˌbraŋkēˈäd.ə, -ād.ə\ Usage: capitalized Etymology: New Latin, from crypt- + -branchia, -branchiata : any of various groups of animals having concealed gills • cryp·to·bran·chi·ate\|kriptə|braŋkēə̇t, -ēˌāt\adjective