nephridium Zool.
(nɛˈfrɪdɪəm)
Pl. nephridia.
[mod.L. (Ray Lankester), ad. Gr. *νεϕρίδιον, dim. of νεϕρ-ός; cf. gonidium, etc.]
A primitive excretory organ in the lower invertebrates, analogous in function to the kidney, but also, in some forms of Mollusca, used in reproduction.
| 1877 Ray Lankester in Q. Jrnl. Microscop. Sci. XVII. 428 The Nephridia or segmental organs of the Entozoa. 1883 Balfour Ibid. XXIII. 244 It will be convenient to commence with one of the hinder nephridia. |