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pecten

Syllabification: (pec·ten)
Pronunciation: /ˈpektən/
Definition of pecten

noun (plural pectens /ˈpektnz/ or pectines /ˈpektnēz/)

Zoology
  • 1any of a number of comblike structures occurring in animal bodies, in particular.
  • a pigmented vascular projection from the choroid in the eye of a bird.
  • an appendage of an insect consisting of or bearing a row of bristles or chitinous teeth.
  • a sensory appendage on the underside of a scorpion.
  • 2a scallop.
    • Genus Pecten, family Pectinidae

Derivatives

pectinate

adjective

pectinated

Pronunciation: /-ˌnātid/
adjective

pectination

Pronunciation: /ˌpektəˈnāSHən/
noun

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting the metacarpus): from Latin pecten, pectin- 'a comb, rake'

pecten in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pecten in the British & World English dictionary