noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   Any of several shield-shaped structures in insects, grasses etc; A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.
2. 2
   Any of several shield-shaped structures in insects, grasses etc; 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.
3. 3
   Any of several shield-shaped structures in insects, grasses etc; One of the transverse scales on the tarsi and toes of birds.
4. 4
   Any of several shield-shaped structures in insects, grasses etc; A grass seed cotyledon that is highly modified for absorption.

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin scūtellum, diminutive of Latin scūtum (“shield”).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.