proctodeum

[ prok-tuh-dee-uhm ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural proc·to·de·a [prok-t, uh, -, dee, -, uh], proc·to·de·ums.

1. a depression in the ectoderm of the anal region of a young embryo, which develops into part of the anal canal.

Other Words From

• procto·deal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of proctodeum¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from New Latin, from Greek prōkt- proct- ( def ) + New Latin -odeum, from Greek hodaîon, neuter of hodaîos “on one's journey or way”; -ode ², -eum