branchial cleft meaning

UK US

branchial cleft (noun): one of a series of slit openings in the pharynxes of fishes and aquatic amphibians through which water passes.

Definition of branchial cleft

  1. one of a series of slit openings in the pharynxes of fishes and aquatic amphibians through which water passes

    Synonyms: gill slit, gill cleft

    Type of: structure

More about branchial cleft on Wikipedia.