In crustaceans, a plate-like structure that forms the lateral wall of the body segment, located below the pleuron.
From Greek epi- (upon) + meros (part, segment). The term was coined in zoological taxonomy to describe anatomical divisions in arthropod body segmentation.
Crustaceans like crabs and lobsters have incredibly segmented bodies, and scientists needed precise names for every tiny plate and ridge—the epimerum is one of those hidden architectural details that makes their exoskeletons work like chainmail armor.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.