(Of an invertebrate or fish) having many gills; formerly especially (of a nudibranch mollusc) belonging to the former group Polybranchia or Polybranchiata.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Robert Mayne (1808–1868).
Definition of polybranchiate in US English:
polybranchiate
adjective
Zoology rare
(Of an invertebrate or fish) having many gills; formerly especially (of a nudibranch mollusc) belonging to the former group Polybranchia or Polybranchiata.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Robert Mayne (1808–1868).