One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
A small mollusk with winglike extensions to its body that it uses for swimming.
- ‘In addition to its operation in some insects, it has been suggested that the flapping mechanism in the pteropod, Clione limacina, uses a clap-and-fling mechanism.’
- ‘The unusual relationship between the pelagic mollusc Clione antarctica, a pteropod, and its amphipod abductor has been described as ‘antagonistic symbiosis’.’
- ‘Initially, Walcott considered Matthevia to be a snail, either a pteropod or a new form of equivalent rank, although he made this assignment with reservation.’
- ‘The commonest macrofaunal elements of the Carriacou succession are benthic molluscs, pteropods, scleractinian corals and, particularly in the Grand Bay Formation, articulate brachiopods (Donovan and Harper, 1997, in press).’
- ‘These all feed on pteropods, or sea butterflies, one of the species most threatened by rising acidity.’
- ‘The pteropod, Cfione limacina (Order: Gymnosomata) differs from the nudibranchs and notaspids discussed so far in that it swims continuously using paired parapodial appendages that resemble wings.’
Mid 19th century: from modern Latin Pteropoda (plural), from Greek pteron ‘wing’ + pous, pod- ‘foot’.
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