epitheca
The upper half of the theca of a thecate protist such as a diatom or dinoflagellate.
Noun
- The upper half of the theca of a thecate protist such as a diatom or dinoflagellate.
- Cellariiform, the orifices nearly confined to the convex frontal and lateral surfaces; the basal surface with a strong median calcareous keel, almost concealed by a flat membranous epitheca, which covers the whole...
Origin
Ancient Greek ἐπί (epí, “upon”) + θήκη (thḗkē, “case, box, receptacle”)