peristome
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.89 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
3
Syllables
8
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
One or two rings of tooth-like appendages surrounding the opening of the capsule of many mosses.
noun
The parts of or surrounding the mouths of numerous invertebrates.
Example Sentences
- "Its removal does not, however, leave the mouth of the capsule wide open, for around the margin are two circles of pointed teeth forming the peristome."
- "We can distinguish therefore in the body of a polyp the column, circular or oval in section, forming the trunk, resting on a base or foot and surmounted by the crown of tentacles, which enclose an area termed the peristome, in the centre of which again is the mouth. […] The mouth may be level with the surface of the peristome, or may be projecting and trumpet-shaped."
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *per-der. Ancient Greek περῐ́ (perĭ́)der. English peri- English -stome English peristome From peri- + -stome.
Subject
Wiktionary places this term in Medicine.