Scutellum
Pronunciation : Scu*tel"lum
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [NL., neut. dim. of L. scutum a shield.]
Definition : 1. (Bot.)
Defn: A rounded apothecium having an elevated rim formed of the proper thallus, the fructification of certain lichens.
2. (Zo?l.) (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.
pl. Scutella.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913