patagium noun. [pǝ'teɪdʒɪǝm] Pl. -ia [-ɪǝ]. E19.
[Latin = gold edging on a tunic.]
1. Entomology. Either of a pair of lateral processes on the prothorax of certain insects. Also called shoulder-lappet. E19.

2. Zoology. A fold of skin along the side of the body of a gliding mammal which can be extended to act as a parachute; the wing-membrane of a bat; the fold of skin enclosing the upper wing muscles of a bird. L19.

■ patagial adjective L19.

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