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Glite Dictionary
vitellarium

vitellarium

1 9.9
A part of the ovary in some small animals that makes yolk for eggs
  • noun
  • /vaɪˈtɛləˌrɪəm/
  • Specialized
: vitelario
  • The vitellarium supplies nutrients to the eggs in many flatworm species.

Examples

  • Damage to the vitellarium can impair egg production in these invertebrates.

  • Scientists studied the development of the vitellarium in rotifers to understand reproductive strategies.

  • The vitellarium is crucial for reproduction.

  • The vitellarium produces yolk cells.

  • In many flatworms, the vitellarium plays a crucial role in producing yolk for egg nourishment.

  • Researchers found that the vitellarium is vital for the development of eggs in rotifers.

  • The structure of the vitellarium varies among species, affecting yolk production efficiency.

Surface Forms

vitellarium singular
vitellaria plural

Morphology

vitellarium = vitellus (opaque) = vitell + arium

Although formed by the combining form 'vitell-' (yolk) + the productive locative suffix '-arium', the root is highly specialized technical vocabulary, so average learners cannot derive the meaning.

Etymology

The word vitellarium comes from the Latin vitellus, meaning 'yolk'. A vitellarium is the part of the ovary that makes yolk cells to feed developing eggs in flatworms and rotifers, so the name shows its role in egg nutrition.