osculum

[ os-kyuh-luhm ]

noun

, plural os·cu·la [os, -ky, uh, -l, uh].

1. a small mouthlike aperture, as of a sponge.

osculum

/ ˈɒskjʊləm /

noun

1. zoology a mouthlike aperture, esp the opening in a sponge out of which water passes

Word History and Origins

Origin of osculum¹

1605–15; < New Latin, Latin ōsculum, equivalent to ōs mouth + -culum -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of osculum¹

C17: from Latin: a kiss, little mouth, diminutive of ōs mouth

Example Sentences

I. 145., has another imitation: "Exceptus gladio parvulus impio, Dum currit patrium natus ad osculum, Immatura focis victima concidit."

From Project Gutenberg

This custom appears to have been very general in past times, and Mr. Henderson suggests that “it may possibly be a dim memorial of the osculum pacis, or the presentation of the Pax to the newly-married pair.”

From Project Gutenberg

He introduced in his church the primitive custom of the “osculum pacis” and the “agape” celebrated as a common meal with broth.

From Project Gutenberg

If the single type theory were driven to its logical conclusion, it would be necessary to select one particular polyp in a hydroid colony, or even the part of a sponge that surrounded a particular osculum as the type of the species to which the hydroid or the sponge belonged.

From Project Gutenberg

With further complexity the simple internal cavity tends to disappear, and the sponge proliferates in such a way that more than one osculum is formed.

From Project Gutenberg