peristome

noun peri·stome \ˈper-ə-ˌstōm\

Definition of PERISTOME

: the fringe of teeth surrounding the orifice of a moss capsule

: the region around the mouth in various invertebrates

— peri·sto·mi·al \ˌper-ə-ˈstō-mē-əl\ adjective

New Latin peristoma, from peri- + Greek stoma mouth — more at stomach

First Known Use: circa 1796

Medical Dictionary

noun peri·stome \ˈper-ə-ˌstōm\

: the area surrounding the mouth or cytostome of a protozoan

—peri·sto·mi·al \ˌper-ə-ˈstō-mē-əl\ adjective

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