First Known Use: circa 1796
Dictionary
peristome
noun peri·stome \ˈper-ə-ˌstōm\
Definition of PERISTOME
1
: the fringe of teeth surrounding the orifice of a moss capsule
2
: the region around the mouth in various invertebrates
— peri·sto·mi·al \ˌper-ə-ˈstō-mē-əl\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PERISTOME
New Latin peristoma, from peri- + Greek stoma mouth — more at stomach
Medical Dictionary
peristome
noun peri·stome \ˈper-ə-ˌstōm\
Medical Definition of PERISTOME
: the area surrounding the mouth or cytostome of a protozoan
—peri·sto·mi·al \ˌper-ə-ˈstō-mē-əl\ adjective
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: peristomicePrevious Word in the Dictionary: peristomalAll Words Near: peristome
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up peristome? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).