1. plural of osculum; small openings or pores, especially in sponges through which water exits
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• The marine biologist examined the oscula of the barrel sponge under a microscope.
• Water flows through the sponge’s body and exits through the oscula.
• Each osculum serves as an excurrent opening in the sponge’s filtration system.
• The researcher counted dozens of tiny oscula on the sponge’s surface.
• Oscula are typically larger than the ostia that allow water to enter the sponge.