parapodium

2 definitions found

parapodium - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Parapodium \Par`a*po"di*um\, n.; pl. Parapodia. [NL., fr. Gr.
     para` beside + ?, dim. of ? foot.] (Zool.)
     One of the lateral appendages of an annelid; -- called also
     foot tubercle.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: They may serve for locomotion, respiration, and
           sensation, and often contain spines or set[ae]. When
           well developed, a dorsal part, or notopodium, and a
           ventral part, or neuropodium, are distinguished.
           [1913 Webster]

parapodium - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  parapodium
      n 1: one of a pair of fleshy appendages of a polychete annelid
           that functions in locomotion and breathing