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Glite Dictionary
caliculus

caliculus

9.9
A small cup-shaped part in animals or coral skeletons that holds a tiny organ like a taste bud
  • noun
  • /kəˈlɪk.jə.ləs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calículo
  • The tongue is covered with numerous caliculi that house the taste buds.

Examples

  • Each coral polyp resides within its own caliculus in the coral skeleton.

  • During development, the optic caliculus forms as a cup-shaped outgrowth from the brain.

  • The caliculus of the coral houses the polyp.

  • Each caliculus plays a role in the sensory system.

  • Each coral polyp resides within its own caliculus in the coral skeleton.

  • During development, the optic caliculus forms as a cup-shaped outgrowth from the brain.

  • The caliculus of the coral houses the polyp.

Synonyms

calyculus
vscaliculus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small cup-shaped hollow that protects tiny parts of plants and animals

applies primarily to animal anatomy and zoology rather than to plants
calycle
vscaliculus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small cup-shaped hollow that holds a tiny animal or body part like a coral polyp

refers narrowly to an actual cup shaped anatomical structure rather than any resemblance

Surface Forms

caliculus singular
caliculi plural

Etymology

Caliculus comes from the Latin calix 'cup' plus the small ending -culus 'little', so it literally means 'little cup'. That's why it names tiny cup-shaped parts in living things, for example the cavity that holds a coral polyp, the little cups that house taste buds, or the optic cup in the developing eye.