gill slit

[ gil ]

noun

1. branchial cleft.

gill slit

/ ɡɪl /

noun

1. any of a series of paired linear openings to the exterior from the sides of the pharynx in fishes and some amphibians. They contain the gills

gill slit

1. In primitive chordates and cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, one of several narrow external openings connecting with the pharynx through which water passes to the exterior, thereby bathing the gills. Bony fish and all other vertebrates, including humans, have rudimentary gill slits during their embryonic stage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gill slit¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

He refused to accept Huschke's derivation of the auditory meatus from the first gill-slit.

From Project Gutenberg

He describes how in the embryo of the Blenny there is a short, thick arch between the first gill-slit and the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

It shifts in position with the position of the gill-slit, but there can be no backwards extension of the cavity.

From Project Gutenberg

Between these two arches he found an opening, just as between two gill-arches a gill-slit.

From Project Gutenberg

All except an outgrowth of one gill slit, which becomes the passage of the ear and ear-drum.

From Project Gutenberg