What is "squamae"

Squama \Squa"ma\ (skw[=a]"m[.a]), n.; pl. Squam[ae] (-m[=e]). [L. a scale.] (Med.) A scale cast off from the skin; a thin dry shred consisting of epithelium.

n. (plural of squama English)

1. n. a protective structure resembling a scale

2. [also: squamae (pl)]

See squama

In some rodents, squamae are small tubercles resembling scales on the sole of the hindfeet. Among oryzomyine rodents, their development is variable; most have well-developed squamae, but in others they are indistinct or entirely absent. Delomys sublineatus and Peromyscus maniculatus also have squamae.