lorica

[ luh-rahy-kuh, law-, loh- ]

noun

, plural lo·ri·cae [l, uh, -, rahy, -see, -kee, law-, loh-].

1. Zoology. a hard protective case or sheath, as the protective coverings secreted by certain protists.
2. a cuirass or corselet, originally of leather.

lorica

/ ˈlɒrɪˌkeɪt; lɒˈraɪkə /

noun

1. the hard outer covering of rotifers, ciliate protozoans, and similar organisms
2. an ancient Roman cuirass of leather or metal

Derived Forms

• loricate, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lorica¹

1700–10; lorica ( def 1 ) < New Latin, special use of Latin lōrīca corselet (originally of leather), akin to lōrum thong; lorica ( def 2 ) < Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of lorica¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin: leather cuirass; related to lōrum thong

Example Sentences

Neither can the cylindrical jar or bottle be justly deemed to occupy the position of the lorica, or carapace which we have before described.

From Project Gutenberg

He wore the armour of a Roman centurion—a lorica or cuirass, made of plates of bronze, fastened to a flexible body of leather; and cothurni, or a sort of laced boots, leaching to mid-leg.

From Project Gutenberg

It was an early term for short coats, jackets, and a sort of coat-of-mail or defensive lorica, or upper garment.

From Project Gutenberg

The animal is attached, as in the closely allied genus Tintinnus, by a peduncle to the bottom of the lorica.

From Project Gutenberg

The tube of the Œcistes is called a "lorica," or carapace; but it has in truth no right whatever to the appellation.

From Project Gutenberg