noun
- plural of opercular; scales or bones that cover the gills of fish
Usage: biology; ichthyology
Examples
- The fish’s operculars protected its delicate gill structures.
- Marine biologists examined the operculars to identify the species.
- Damage to the operculars can affect a fish’s breathing ability.
- The operculars opened and closed rhythmically as the fish breathed.
- Different fish species have distinctively shaped operculars.