Online Dictionary of Invertebrate Zoology: Complete Work - Best Text

290Maggenti and Gardnerbers.differentia n.; pl. -tiae [L. differentia, difference] The specificdifference of one species from other species of the samegenus.differential diagnosis A statement of characters distinguishinga given taxon from other specifically mentionedequivalent taxa. see delimitation.diffracted a. [L. dis, twice; frangere, to break] 1. Bent in differentdirections. 2. Separated into parts.diffusate n. [L. diffusus, spread out] Material that diffusesthrough a semi-permeable membrane; dialyzate.diffuse a. [L. diffusus, spread out] 1. Not sharply distinct atthe edge or margin. 2. Widely spread; extended. 3. (MOLL:Gastropoda) The aperture when spread out or widened.diffusion n. [L. diffusus, spread out] The spreading of a dissolvedsubstance through solvent by virtue of the randommovements of its molecules or ions.diffusion tracheae (ARTHRO: Insecta) Cylindrical tracheae notsubject to collapse. see ventilation tracheae.digametic see heterogameticdigenesis n. [Gr. dis, twice; genesis, beginning] Alternation ofgenerations.digenetic a. [Gr. dis, twice; genesis, beginning] With sexualreproduction in the mature forms and asexual reproductionin larval stages.digenoporous a. [Gr. dis, twice; genos, birth; poros, passages]Having two genital pores.digestion n. [L. digestus, render food assimilable] The processby which nutrient materials are rendered soluble and absorbablefor incorporation into the metabolism.digit n. [L. digitus, finger] A finger or finger-like structure; atoe.digital a. [L. digitus, finger] Digit-like.digitated a. [L. digitus, finger] Fingered or clawed; divided intofinger-like processes.digitate processes (SIPUN) Finger-like processes or leaf-like