pelta

noun

pel·​ta
ˈpeltə
plural peltae
-ˌtē,
-ˌtī
1
: a small light shield used by the ancient Greeks and Romans
2
[New Latin, from Latin] : a body of unknown function found in association with the blepharoplast of a flagellate

Word History

Etymology

Latin, small shield, from Greek peltē; perhaps akin to Latin pellis skin

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near pelta

Cite this Entry

“Pelta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelta. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!