GLOCHIDIUM

(Lat.), n. n. Glo2k(gloch2)-i2d-i2 -u3m(u<m). From yAwxi's, any projecting point. Fr., glochide. The embryo of certain mu els, differing greatly in appearance from the parent and formerly thought to be parasitic. It is included within two shells shaped like an equilateral triangle, hinged at their bases, and have three papillae on the inner surface of each lobe of the mantle, terminating in fine hair-like filaments. [L, 300.] [s. 201]