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Glite Dictionary
branchia

branchia

9.9
A thin part like a small leaf that lets fish breathe in water
  • noun
  • /ˈbræŋkiə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : branquia
  • Fish use their branchia to extract oxygen from water as they swim.

Examples

  • The biologist studied the branchia of various marine species to understand their adaptation to different environments.

  • Some species have more than one pair of branchiae.

  • Damage to the branchia can be fatal for many aquatic animals, as it impairs their ability to breathe.

  • The fish uses its branchia to extract oxygen from water.

  • Damage to the branchia can be fatal for many aquatic animals, as it impairs their ability to breathe.

  • Fish use their branchia to extract oxygen from water as they swim.

  • The biologist studied the branchia of various marine species to understand their adaptation to different environments.

Synonyms

gill
vsbranchia
16 3.6

Thin feathery parts on fish that take oxygen from water

is the same organ but the term is used mainly in scientific contexts

Surface Forms

branchia singular
branchiae plural

Etymology

The word branchia comes from an old Greek word that meant 'gills'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of branchia as the water version of 'lungs' — organs that let fish 'breathe' in water, which is why branchia means the breathing organ of aquatic animals.