scutellum

views updated May 29 2018

scu·tel·lum / sk(y)oōˈteləm/ • n. (pl. -tel·la / -ˈtelə/ ) Bot. & Zool. a small shieldlike structure, in particular: ∎ a modified cotyledon in the embryo of a grass seed. ∎ the third dorsal sclerite in each thoracic segment of an insect.DERIVATIVES: scu·tel·lar / -ˈtelər/ adj.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

scutellum

views updated May 23 2018

scutellum The most posterior of the three dorsal sclerites that are found on the mesothorax and metathorax of many winged insects.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

scutellum

views updated May 23 2018

scutellum In the fruit of grasses, an organ lying between the embryo and endosperm. During germination, the scutellum secretes enzymes involved in the digestion of endosperm.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

scutellum

views updated May 18 2018

scutellum The tissue in a grass seed that lies between the embryo and the endosperm. It is the modified cotyledon of grasses, being specialized for the digestion and absorption of the endosperm.

A Dictionary of Biology