branchiostegal

[ brang-kee-os-ti-guhl ]

noun

1. Also called branchiostegal ray. one of the long, curved bones just below the operculum, supporting the gill membranes.

adjective

1. of or relating to the branchiostegals.

branchiostegal

/ ˌbræŋkɪəˈstiːɡəl /

adjective

1. zoology of or relating to the operculum covering the gill slits of fish

   branchiostegal rays

   branchiostegal membrane

Word History and Origins

Origin of branchiostegal¹

First recorded in 1740–50; branchio- + steg(o)- + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of branchiostegal¹

from branchia + Greek stegos roof

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

The branchiostegal rays of the two sides are united in front by an unpaired membrane bone, the basi-branchiostegal (fig. 11, 36).

From Project Gutenberg

Attached to the lower surface of the hyoid arch are a series of twelve flat branchiostegal rays (fig. 11, 35).

From Project Gutenberg

To the cerato-hyal are attached a series of seven strong curved cylindrical rods, the branchiostegal rays.

From Project Gutenberg

The branchial arches, generally five in number, all of which except the last bear branchiostegal rays.

From Project Gutenberg