operculum background

operculum

/oʊˈpɜːrkjʊləm/ /əˈpɜːrkjələm/

Illustration operculum - Image 1

noun

Opercule

A covering flap in animals, such as a gill cover.

Examples :

"The fish opened and closed its operculum, allowing it to breathe underwater. "

Le poisson ouvrait et refermait son opercule, ce qui lui permettait de respirer sous l'eau.

organism animal biology anatomy fish part

Illustration operculum - Image 1

noun

L'opercule, partie en forme de couvercle d'un sporange de mousse ou d'un fruit qui se détache pour permettre la dispersion des spores ou des graines

The lidlike portion of a moss sporangium or of a fruit that detaches to allow the dispersal of spores or seeds.

Examples :

"The operculum on the moss capsule popped open, releasing a cloud of tiny spores into the air. "

L'opercule de la capsule de mousse s'est ouvert, libérant un nuage de minuscules spores dans l'air.

plant part biology seed

Illustration operculum - Image 1

noun

Opercule gingival

A gum flap covering (part of) a partially erupted tooth, usually a wisdom tooth.

Examples :

"The dentist carefully removed the operculum, allowing the wisdom tooth to finally emerge. "

Le dentiste a soigneusement retiré l'opercule gingival, permettant à la dent de sagesse de finalement émerger.

medicine anatomy body part

Illustration operculum - Image 1

noun

Opercule, couvercle

A structure which serves as a cover or lid.

Examples :

"The snail closed its operculum, sealing itself safely inside its shell. "

L'escargot a fermé son opercule, s'enfermant en sécurité à l'intérieur de sa coquille.

part biology anatomy structure organism