branchial

[ brang-kee-uhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to gills or to the homologous, embryonic parts in animals without gills.

ˈbranchial

/ ˈbræŋkɪəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the gills of an aquatic animal, esp a fish
2. of or relating to homologous structures in higher vertebrates

   branchial cyst

Other Words From

• hyper·branchi·al adjective
• inter·branchi·al adjective
• pre·branchi·al adjective
• sub·branchi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of branchial¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; branchi- + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Now, a group of Kyoto University researchers have produced neural crest cell-rich aggregates from human pluripotent stem cells and developed a method to differentiate them in cell populations with a branchial arch-like gene expression pattern.

From Science Daily

But the makings of a new way of feeding were already present in fish anatomy: a series of curved bones called branchial arches and the supporting muscles.

From Science Magazine

They emerge from these tubes to filter feed, procreate and breathe with a part of their body called the branchial crown.

From New York Times

Metaspriggina boasted seven pairs of rod-like structures called gill arches, or branchial arches, that functioned for both filtration of food particles and respiration.

From Reuters

The radical faculties belong entirely to Love; the branchial to knowledge and industry.

From Project Gutenberg