Zool. Pl. -æ. Also synapticulum, pl. -a. [mod.L., f. Gr. συναπτικός (see prec.) + dim. suffix -icula, -iculum.] Each of a number of transverse calcareous processes connecting the septa in certain corals. Hence Synapticular a., pertaining to or consisting of synapticulæ; Synapticulate a., furnished with synapticulæ.
1861. J. R. Greene, Man. Anim. Kingd., Cœlent., 155. Septa … with … processes, which, in general, meet so as to constitute numerous ‘synapticulæ,’ or transverse props, extending across the loculi like the bars of a grate.
1872. P. M. Duncan, Monogr. Brit. Fossil Corals, Ser. II. III. 20. The endotheca … assumes the synapticular form. Ibid. (1883), in Jrnl. Linn. Soc., Zool., XVII. 140. These transversely placed organs … we have proposed to term synapticula. Ibid., 144. Bounded by the synapticulum above. Ibid. A synapticulate structure.
