‖ ctenidium Zool.
(tɪˈnɪdɪəm)
[mod.L., a. Gr. κτενίδιον, dim. of κτεν- (κτείς) a comb.]
Each of the respiratory organs or gills of Mollusca, consisting of an axis with a series of processes on each side like the teeth of a comb.
| 1883 Ray Lankester in Encycl. Brit. XVI. 636/1 (Mollusca) These are the ctenidia or gill-combs. Usually..they play the part of gills, but since in many Molluscs (Lamellibranchs) their function is not mainly respiratory..it is well..to give them a non-physiological name such as that here proposed. 1888 Rolleston & Jackson Anim. Life 450 In the majority of Gastropoda the primitive left ctenidium is aborted. |