"Operculate" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Operculate" Meaning

Opérculate: (verb) to form or have opercula; to cover or close with an operculum. An operculum is a flap-like structure found in certain fish and other aquatic animals, typically used for covering the gill slits when the animal is out of water.

"Operculate" Examples

Usage Examples for Operculate


The turtle's operculum covered its eyes while it rested at the bottom of the pond. (#biology)
Opercula were used by the ancient Greeks to describe the plates on the back of ancient fish. (#ancientgreece)
The shell of the mussel was operculated, allowing it to seal shut when threatened. (#marinebiology)
The operculum of the lungfish is modified to act as a lung, allowing it to breathe air. (#biology)
In many species of fish, the operculum is used for respiration, allowing them to "breathe" under water. (#zoology)