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tegmen

tegmen

9.9
A thin layer that covers and protects a seed or an insect's front wing
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛɡmən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tegmen
  • The botanist described the tegmen as the thin layer protecting the seed.

Examples

  • In some beetles, the tegmen forms a tough shield over the delicate wings.

  • The tegmen of the plant was carefully removed for microscopic examination.

  • The tegmen protects the seed from environmental factors.

  • In insects, the tegmen serves as a protective forewing.

  • The botanist described the tegmen as the thin layer protecting the seed.

  • In some beetles, the tegmen forms a tough shield over the delicate wings.

  • The tegmen of the plant was carefully removed for microscopic examination.

Synonyms

testa
vstegmen
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A hard outer covering of a seed that protects it

is the broader term that also covers protective insect forewings
seed coat
vstegmen
  • Specialized
3.6

An outer covering of a seed that protects the young plant inside

is used more widely for such seed layers and for insect forewings
episperm
vstegmen
  • Specialized
9.9

The outer covering of a seed that protects the young plant inside

applies more broadly to both seed layers and certain insect forewings
tegmentum
vstegmen
  • Archaic
9.9

A protective outer layer on a plant or animal, like a seed coat

is the current term used for seed layers and some insect forewings
tegument
vstegmen
  • Specialized
9.9

The outer layer of an animal or plant that protects it, such as skin

is narrower, referring specifically to seed layers or protective forewings
elytron
vstegmen
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard front wing of a beetle that covers its back wing

is broader, covering protective forewings as well as seed outer layers
wing case
vstegmen
  • Specialized
7.7

A hard front shell on beetles that protects their thin back wings

is more general, applying to protective seed layers as well as forewings

Surface Forms

tegmen singular
tegmina plural

Etymology

Tegmen comes from the old Latin root teg- meaning 'to cover'. In biology, a tegmen is a 'covering', like the thin layer over a seed or the hard forewing that protects an insect's delicate wings, so the name helps you remember it is something that protects what is underneath.