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

Respiration tracheal or branchial: the openings for the entrance of the air spiraculiform (stigmatiformes).

From Project Gutenberg

The relation of the branches of the vagus and glossopharyngeal to the branchial clefts requires no special remark.

From Project Gutenberg

This cavity (the branchial cavity) contains gills, as we have already seen, and also extends to the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

The gills, too, are united with each other and with the mantle on the posterior side, thus forming a distinct branchial chamber.

From Project Gutenberg

These are the bones connected with respiration—the operculum, the branchiostegal rays, the branchial arches, and others.

From Project Gutenberg