1. Plural of epiphragm; thin membranes or seals secreted by certain land snails and other mollusks to close the shell opening during dormancy or drought.
Usage: biology; zoology; technical
2. In botany, a membranous covering or lid-like structure that seals or closes an opening in certain plants or fungi.
Usage: botany; technical; rare

Examples

• The snail formed epiphragms to protect itself during the dry season.
• Biologists studied the epiphragms of land snails to understand their survival mechanisms.
• When conditions became unfavorable, the mollusk secreted epiphragms to seal its shell.
• The epiphragms allowed the snails to enter a state of dormancy without losing moisture.