scutum n. (pl. scuta) each of the shieldlike plates or scales forming the bony covering of a crocodile, sturgeon, turtle, armadillo, etc. Derivatives: scutal adj. scutate
adj. Etymology: L, = oblong shield
scutum
ˈskju:təm n. (pl. scuta) each of the shieldlike plates or scales
forming the bony covering of a crocodile, sturgeon, turtle, armadillo,
etc. øøscutal adj. scutate adj. [L, = oblong shield]
Scutum \Scu"tum\, n.; pl. Scuta. [L.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) An oblong shield made of boards or
wickerwork covered with leather, with sometimes an iron
rim; -- carried chiefly by the heavy-armed infantry.
2. (O. Eng. Law) A penthouse or awning. [Obs.] --Burrill.
3. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The second and largest of the four parts forming the
upper surface of a thoracic segment of an insect. It
is preceded by the prescutum and followed by the
scutellum. See the Illust. under Thorax.
(b) One of the two lower valves of the operculum of a
barnacle.
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