cleidoic
/klaɪˈdoʊɪk/
adjective
- Describing an egg that has a shell and is sealed from the outside environment, relying only on the materials inside for the embryo's development.
- The cleidoic nature of reptile eggs allows them to be laid on land without drying out.
- Unlike fish eggs, cleidoic eggs have a protective shell that prevents water loss.
- Bird eggs are cleidoic, so the chick develops using only the yolk and albumen inside the shell.
Synonyms