scutellum

views updated May 29 2018

scu·tel·lum / sk(y)oōˈteləm/ • n. (pl. -tel·la / -ˈtelə/ ) Bot. & Zool. a small shieldlike structure, in particular: ∎  a modified cotyledon in the embryo of a grass seed. ∎  the third dorsal sclerite in each thoracic segment of an insect.DERIVATIVES: scu·tel·lar / -ˈtelər/ adj.

scutellum

views updated May 23 2018

scutellum The most posterior of the three dorsal sclerites that are found on the mesothorax and metathorax of many winged insects.

scutellum

views updated May 23 2018

scutellum In the fruit of grasses, an organ lying between the embryo and endosperm. During germination, the scutellum secretes enzymes involved in the digestion of endosperm.

scutellum

views updated May 18 2018

scutellum The tissue in a grass seed that lies between the embryo and the endosperm. It is the modified cotyledon of grasses, being specialized for the digestion and absorption of the endosperm.

scutellum

views updated May 23 2018

scutellum Area surrounding the embryo of the cereal grain; scutellum plus embryo is the germ; rich in vitamins.