testae
nounUK /ˈtɛstiː/
US /ˈtɛstiː/
Testae are the hard outer shells of some tiny animals and seeds.
The scientist looked at the testae of the sea urchins under a microscope.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The hard protective shells of microscopic sea creatures like foraminifera.
The sand on the beach was made partly of tiny testae.
3. The outer seed coats of certain plants.
The testae of the seeds protect the baby plant inside.
4. Plural form of testa, meaning a shell or hard outer layer.
Each testa was cracked, but the testae together stayed strong.