ScienceSeptember 1, 2026
scutes
SKYOO-ts
Definition
Large, thick, protective bony or horny plates or scales found on the skin of certain animals, such as fish, reptiles, or turtles.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'scutum,' meaning shield. The word entered English in the 18th century to describe protective plate-like structures on animal bodies.
In the news
In the article, the term describes the four rows of thick, armored scales that encase the body of the Peristediinae, giving them a crustacean-like appearance.
Shrimp-Like Walking Fish From The South China Sea Documented Scuttling Forwards, Backwards, And Sideways For The First Time
Read the full article ↗IFLScience