scutellum

Meanings

1. Any of several shield-shaped structures in insects, grasses etc
2. A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.
3. The third of the four pieces forming the upper part of a thoracic segment of an insect. It follows the scutum, and is followed by the small postscutellum.
4. One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of birds.
5. A grass seed cotyledon that is highly modified for absorption.

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin scūtellum, diminutive of Latin scūtum (“shield”).

Translations