‖ xiphiplastron Anat. and Zool.
(zɪfɪˈplæstrən)
Pl. -a. Also (more correctly) xipho-.
[mod.L., properly xiphoplastron, f. Gr. ξίϕος sword + plastron.]
Each of the fourth or hindmost pair of lateral plates in the plastron of a turtle. Hence xiphiˈplastral a., pertaining to or constituting a xiphiplastron; n. a xiphiplastral plate, a xiphiplastron.
| 1871 Huxley Anat. Vert. v. 202 In the Turtle the plastron consists of nine pieces..the fourth [lateral], xiphiplastron. 1889 Nicholson & Lydekker Palæont. liii. II. 1084 [The pubis and the ischium] may be anchylosed to the xiphiplastral. 1889 Lydekker in Q. Jrnl. Geol. Soc. 1 Aug. 511 The imperfect left xiphiplastral [of a Chelonian]. |