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Glite Dictionary
operculate

operculate

9.9
A living thing with a lid-like cover that closes an opening, like on a snail shell or moss capsule
  • adjective
  • /ˈoʊpərˌkjʊlɪt/
  • Specialized
: operculado
  • Many gastropods are described as operculate because they have a hard plate that closes the opening of their shells.

Examples

  • Certain mosses are operculate, releasing spores through a lid-like structure.

  • The operculate shell of the snail protects it from predators.

  • The operculate condition helps protect some aquatic snails from predators and desiccation.

  • Are all species of fish operculate?

  • Certain mosses are operculate, meaning they release spores through a lid-like structure.

  • Many gastropods are described as operculate, as their hard plates cover the openings of their shells.

  • The operculate design of some aquatic snails provides protection from predators and drying out.

Synonyms

operculated
vsoperculate
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a hard lid that closes an opening on a snail shell or seed capsule

is defined as possessing that lid as an actual physical feature
opercular
vsoperculate
  • Specialized
9.9

A cover like a lid that protects parts of an animal or plant

is more specific meaning the thing actually has a lid attached

Surface Forms

operculate positive

Morphology

operculate = operculum (opaque) = operculum + ate

The adjective is formed from the technical noun 'operculum' plus the suffix '-ate'; because 'operculum' is a specialist biological term unfamiliar to average learners, the relation is not readily derivable.

Etymology

The word operculate comes from the Latin operculum, meaning 'little lid', from operire 'to cover'. So an operculate plant or animal has a lid-like cover that opens or closes, like a small 'lid' on a jar, which protects what is inside.