opercle

[ oh-per-kuhl ]

noun

1. an operculum, especially the posterior bone of the operculum of a fish.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opercle¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, opercle is from the Latin word operculum cover. See operculum, -cle ²

Example Sentences

In Erpetoichthys only the opercle is distinct among the gill-covers.

From Project Gutenberg

The tip of its opercle is prolonged like an ear and jet black in color, with a dash of bright scarlet along its lower edge.

From Project Gutenberg

Overlying these is the system of membrane bones already mentioned, including the opercle or gill-cover.

From Project Gutenberg

On our sunfish we see that the opercle ends behind in a long and narrow flap, which looks like an ear.

From Project Gutenberg

The largest uppermost flat bone of the gill-covers is known as the opercle .

From Project Gutenberg