scutellum

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

• Rhymes: -ɛləm

scutellum (plural scutella)

1. Any of several shield-shaped structures in insects, grasses etc
   1. (lichenology) A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.
   2. (zoology) 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.
   3. (zoology) One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of birds.
   4. (botany) A grass seed cotyledon that is highly modified for absorption.

• mesoscutellum
• metascutellum
• postscutellum

scutellum m (plural scutellums)

1. (entomology) scutellum