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Noun: branchial cleft  brang-kee-ul kleft
  1. One of a series of slit openings in the pharynxes of fishes and aquatic amphibians through which water passes
    "Water flows over the fish's gills through its branchial clefts, allowing for oxygen exchange";
    - gill slit, gill cleft

Derived forms: branchial clefts

Type of: anatomical structure, bodily structure, body structure, complex body part, structure

Encyclopedia: Branchial cleft