squama

noun

squa·​ma ˈskwā-mə How to pronounce squama (audio) ˈskwä- How to pronounce squama (audio)
plural squamae ˈskwā-ˌmē How to pronounce squama (audio) ˈskwä-ˌmī How to pronounce squama (audio)
: a scalelike or thin, flattened part or structure especially of an animal: such as
a
: a small outgrowth of the base of a wing of a dipteran fly that covers the haltere
b
: the squamous portion of a bone of the skull

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

circa 1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squama was circa 1703

Dictionary Entries Near squama

squam-

squama

squamaceous

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Squama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squama. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

squama

noun
squa·​ma ˈskwā-mə How to pronounce squama (audio) ˈskwä- How to pronounce squama (audio)
plural squamae ˈskwā-ˌmē How to pronounce squama (audio) ˈskwä-ˌmī How to pronounce squama (audio)
: a structure resembling a scale or plate: as
a
: the curved platelike posterior portion of the occipital bone
b
: the vertical portion of the frontal bone that forms the forehead
c
: the thin anterior upper portion of the temporal bone
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