vibraculum

[ vahy-brak-yuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural vi·brac·u·la [vahy-, brak, -y, uh, -l, uh].

1. any of the modified polyps on the surface of certain bryozoan colonies, having a long, whiplike appendage that clears away debris.

vibraculum

/ vaɪˈbrækjʊləm /

noun

1. zoology any of the specialized bristle-like polyps in certain bryozoans, the actions of which prevent parasites from settling on the colony

Derived Forms

• viˈbracular, adjective
• viˈbracuˌloid, adjective

Other Words From

• vi·bracu·lar adjective
• vi·bracu·loid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibraculum¹

1850–55; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin vibrā ( re ) to shake + -culum -cule ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibraculum¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin vibrāre to brandish

Example Sentences

These transverse tubular fibres are, like the radical fibres in Scrupocellaria, always inserted, not into the body of a cell, but into a vibraculum.

From Project Gutenberg

Each vibraculum appears to belong not to a single cell as in Scrupocellaria, but to be common to, or applied to the backs of several.

From Project Gutenberg

The upper and outer extremity of the vibraculum is bifid, and to the inner horn is articulated the seta, and from the notch between the two horns there is continued nearly, if not quite, to the inner extremity of the organ, and along its upper border, a shallow groove, in which is lodged the seta when in a state of rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Each marginal cell with a single large vibraculum in front below the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

Along each border of the branches runs a bundle of radical tubes, the number of which diminishes as the branch ascends, each terminating in a vibraculum.

From Project Gutenberg