Category:Scutellum

Scu*tel"lum, n.; pl. Scutella. Etym: [nl., neut. dim. of l. scutum a Shield.]

1. (bot.)

Defn: a rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the Proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.

2. (zoöl.) (a) the third of the four pieces forming the upper part of a thoracic Segment of an insect. It follows the scutum, and is followed by the Small postscutellum; a scutella. See thorax. (b) one of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of birds; a Scutella.