scu·ti·bran·chia \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈbraŋkēə\noun plural Usage: capitalized Etymology: New Latin, from scut- + -branchia in some classifications: a heterogeneous group of gastropods distinguished by possession of a simple shield-shaped shell and more or less exactly equivalent to Aspidobranchia especially in modern usage • scu·ti·bran·chi·an\| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|braŋkēən\adjective or noun • scu·ti·bran·chi·ate\-ēə̇t, -ēˌāt\adjective or noun