prostomium

[ proh-stoh-mee-uhm ]

noun

, plural pro·sto·mi·a [proh-, stoh, -mee-, uh].

1. the unsegmented, preoral portion of the head of certain lower invertebrates.

prostomium

/ prəʊˈstəʊmɪəm /

noun

1. the lobe at the head end of earthworms and other annelids: bears tentacles, palps, etc, or forms part of a sucker or proboscis

Derived Forms

• proˈstomial, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·stomi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prostomium¹

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek prostómion mouth. See pro- ², stoma, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of prostomium¹

via New Latin from Greek prostomion mouth

Example Sentences

At the same time the prostomium and its appendages cease to be recognizable as distinct elements of the head.

From Project Gutenberg

The prostomium is essentially a part or outgrowth of the first somite, and cannot be regarded as itself a somite.

From Project Gutenberg

Pr, The prostomium. m, The mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

About 1870 the question arose for discussion whether the somites in front of the mouth are to be considered as derived from the prostomium of a Chaetopod-like ancestor.

From Project Gutenberg

The parapodia of Chaetopoda are never coated with dense chitin, and are, therefore, never converted into jaws; the primitive “head-lobe” or prostomium persists, and frequently carries eyes and sensory tentacles.

From Project Gutenberg