rostellum

ros·tel·lum

 (rŏ-stĕl′əm)

n. pl. ros·tel·la (rŏ-stĕl′ə)

A small beaklike part, such as a projection on the stigma of an orchid or the hooked projection on the head of a tapeworm.

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[Latin, diminutive of rōstrum, beak; see rostrum.]

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ros·tel′lar adj.

rostellum

(rɒˈstɛləm)

n, pl -la (-lə)

(Biology) biology a small beaklike process, such as the hooked projection from the top of the head in tapeworms or the outgrowth from the stigma of an orchid

[C18: from Latin: a little beak, from rōstrum a beak]

rosˈtellate, rosˈtellar adj

ros•tel•lum

(rɒˈstɛl əm)

n., pl. ros•tel•la (rɒˈstɛl ə)

1. any of various small, beaklike parts, as the mouth tube of sucking bugs or the hook-bearing projection of intestinal tapeworms.

2. a beaklike modified stigma of certain orchids that secretes a sticky fluid, enabling pollen grains to adhere to visiting insects.

[1750–60; < New Latin; Latin: little beak, snout, diminutive of rōstrum snout (see rostrum); for formation, see castle]