1. A membranous or calcareous plate secreted by certain mollusks (especially land snails) to seal the opening of their shell during hibernation or dormancy.
Usage: biology; zoology
2. A similar sealing structure produced by some other organisms, such as certain amphibians or insects, to protect against desiccation.
Usage: biology; specialized

Examples

• The snail formed an epiphragm across its shell opening to survive the dry season.
• During winter dormancy, the land snail secretes an epiphragm to seal itself inside its shell.
• Biologists observed the epiphragm structure under the microscope to study the snail's hibernation mechanism.
• The epiphragm dissolves when environmental conditions become favorable again.
• Different species of snails produce epiphragms with varying thickness and composition.