clitellum

American  

[klahy-tel-uhm] / klaɪˈtɛl əm /

noun

plural

clitella

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.

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clitellum British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of clitellum

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

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Post • Apr. 21, 2017

Some species bear a specialized band of segments known as a clitellum.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The clitellum is a swollen, smooth section of the earthworm.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

There are a clitellum and sperm ducts which though like nephridia have a larger funnel and a less complexly wound duct.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 7 "Cerargyrite" to "Charing Cross" by Various

The position of the clitellum, which is universal in occurrence, varies much as does the number of component segments.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 7 "Cerargyrite" to "Charing Cross" by Various