glo·chid·i·um (gl -k d  - m)n. pl. glo·chid·i·a (- -) 1. Zoology The parasitic larva of certain freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae, having hooks for attaching to the gills or other external parts of a host fish. 2. Botany Variant of glochid. [New Latin gl chidium : Greek glkh s, barb of an arrow + Latin -idium, diminutive suff. (from Greek -idion).]glo·chid i·ate (-t, - t ) adj. |
glochidium [gləʊˈkɪdɪəm]
n pl -chidia [-ˈkɪdɪə]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) a barbed hair, esp among the spore masses of water ferns and on certain other plants
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a parasitic larva of certain freshwater mussels that attaches itself to the fins or gills of fish by hooks or suckers
[from New Latin, from Greek glōkhis projecting point]
glochidiate adj
glochidium - a barbed spine or bristle (often tufted on cacti)Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
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