cleidoic

adjective

clei·​do·​ic klī-ˈdō-ik 

of an egg

: enclosed in a relatively impervious shell which reduces free exchange with the environment

Word History

Etymology

Greek kleidoun to fasten, lock in, from kleid-, kleis key — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cleidoic

adjective

clei·​do·​ic klī-ˈdō-ik 

of an egg

: enclosed in a relatively impervious shell which reduces free exchange with the environment

the eggs of birds are cleidoic