clitellum

[ klahy-tel-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural clitella

a ring or saddle-shaped region of glandular tissue in the body wall of certain annelids, as earthworms and some leeches, that after copulation secretes a cocoon in which the eggs and sperm are deposited for fertilization and development.

clitellum

/ klɪˈtɛləm /

noun

a thickened saddle-like region of epidermis in earthworms and leeches whose secretions bind copulating worms together and later form a cocoon around the eggs

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Word History and Origins

Origin of clitellum¹

1830–40; < New Latin, neuter noun based on Latin clītellae packsaddle

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Word History and Origins

Origin of clitellum¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin clītellae (plural) packsaddle

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The worms can range in length from 4 to 8 inches and have a flat, milky white band called a clitellum that encircles the body, distinguishing it from other earthworms with pink raised bands, Ms. Flowers-Kimmerle said.

From Washington Times

The swollen band is called a clitellum.

From Washington Post

Each earthworm will form an egg capsule in its clitellum and pass it into the environment.

From Washington Post

Clitellum, kli-tel′um, n. the saddle of an annelid, as the earthworm:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg

Clitellum not present as a definite organ, as in Oligochaeta.

From Project Gutenberg

Clite clithral

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