os·ti·um ( s t - m)n. pl. os·ti·a (-t -) 1. A small opening or orifice, as in a body organ or passage. 2. Any of the small openings or pores in a sponge. [Latin  stium, door, opening, from s, mouth; see s- in Indo-European roots.] |
ostium [ˈɒstɪəm]
n pl -tia [-tɪə] Biology
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) any of the pores in sponges through which water enters the body
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) any of the openings in the heart of an arthropod through which blood enters
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) any similar opening
[from Latin: door, entrance]
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