clitellum

[ klahy-tel-uhm ]

noun

, plural cli·tel·la [klahy-, tel, -, uh].

1. a ring or saddle-shaped region of glandular tissue in the body wall of certain annelids, as earthworms and some leeches, that after copulation secretes a cocoon in which the eggs and sperm are deposited for fertilization and development.

clitellum

/ klɪˈtɛləm /

noun

1. a thickened saddle-like region of epidermis in earthworms and leeches whose secretions bind copulating worms together and later form a cocoon around the eggs

Word History and Origins

Origin of clitellum¹

1830–40; < New Latin, neuter noun based on Latin clītellae packsaddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of clitellum¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin clītellae (plural) packsaddle

Example Sentences

The worms can range in length from 4 to 8 inches and have a flat, milky white band called a clitellum that encircles the body, distinguishing it from other earthworms with pink raised bands, Ms. Flowers-Kimmerle said.

From Washington Times

“So a worm, they have a swollen place called clitellum, and they will line up side-by-side and then they exchange sperm.”

From Washington Times

“So a worm, they have a swollen place called clitellum, and they will line up side-by-side and then they exchange sperm.”

From Seattle Times

The swollen band is called a clitellum.

From Washington Post

Each earthworm will form an egg capsule in its clitellum and pass it into the environment.

From Washington Post