Glo·chid·i·um n.; pl. Glochidia   Zool. The larva or young of the mussel, formerly thought to be a parasite upon the parent's gills.
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  glochidium
       n : a barbed spine or bristle (often tufted on cacti) [syn: glochid]
       [also: glochidia (pl), glochidcia (pl)]