scutellum Meaning, Definition & Usage

Scu*tel"lum noun
Etymology
NL., neut. dim. of L. scutum a shield.
Wordforms
plural Scutella
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.
  2. (Zoöl.) (a) 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; a scutella. See Thorax. (b) One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of birds; a scutella.

Webster 1913