discocarpous 
discocarpous (ilis-ko-kiir'pus), n. [< ilixcocarp 
+ -OHH. | I'ei-taining to or characterized by a 
discocarp. 
liyrnrioejtrjmiis and </;V".vov>t/,v forms. 
De nary. Fungi (trans.), p. 198. 
Discocephali (dis-ko-sefa-H), H. id. [NL., pi. 
tif ilittriH't'iilitilittt : see ilixnin/ilialitu.i.] A subor- 
der of teleoccphalous fishes, represented by tlie 
single family Krlinn'ididn; or suckiug-lishes, as 
the romora (which see). 
discocephalous (dis-ko-sef 'a-lus i, a. [< NL. dis- 
1'iii-r/iliiiluK, < Gr. Manor, a disk, + ;// head. | 
Having a sucking-disk on the head; specifical- 
ly, pertaining to or having the characters of the 
IHscoiT/thilli. 
discocytula (dis-ko-sit'u-lii), . ; pi. diwon/tit- 
la (-le). [NL., < Gr. ifemf, a disk, + NL. I-///H- 
la, q. v.] In finhri/nl., the parent-cell or cytula 
which results from a discomonerula by the re- 
formation of a nucleus, and which proceeds, by 
partial and discoidal segmentation of the yolk, 
to develop in succession into a discomorula, a 
discoblastula, and a discogastrula. Haerl.-i I. 
discodactyl, discodactyle (dis-ko-dak'til), a. 
JX NL. dixcodarli/lus, < Gr. <ioc, disk, + dairrv- 
A0f, finger, toe.] Having toes dilated at the 
end into a sort of disk; platydactyl: applied 
specifically to certain groups of batrachians, 
as tree-toads and tree-frogs, in distinction from 
ojyilacti/l. 
Discodactyla (dis-ko-dak'ti-lii), n. pi. [NL., 
iieut. pi. of diseodactylus: see </i*m</nc/i/l,] A 
ii;i;t 
P'th which in hroken up Into small horizontal compart- 
" lc t8 separated l>y disk-like- partitions. a> in the ualnut. 
Also dim-oidiil. 
II. H. Something in the form of a disk or 
nimit 
TV ., ... . .,,. rxTT , _ , 
Discoida (dis-koi'da), n. pi. [NL.,<Gr.vo<(of<- 
% : Beo <li*,-ni,l.\ A family of spumellarians. 
of the suborder X/'/,<i'nllaria. Har<-l;< I. 
discoidal (dis-koi'dal), a. [< discoid + -all 
Same 
Each frustule Is of dixoidal shape. 
'. B. Carpenter, Micros., J 289. 
Discoidal cell or areolet, in cnlom., a name variously 
applied, in ilittrri'iit orders of insects, to cells near the cen- 
ter of tfie wing. In the dragon-flies they are exterior to 
the triangle ; in the Ajihidet they are the cells limit. '.I by 
the nhlir(iie nervnres ; and in the Hymenuptera they are 
two or three cells near the center of the wing, between 
the cubital and anal nervures. Discoidal cleavage 
egg-cleavage, or segmentation of the vitellus, one 
of several forms of cleavage distinguished by Jlaei kel. 
(,< discoid.) It occurs in meroblastie eggs, or those in 
which there is a large quantity of food-yolk or nutritive 
protoplasm in comparison with the small amount of germ- 
yolk or formative protoplasm. H occurs In all birds' egis, 
in which the round, flat germ-disk, commonly called the 
,-ii-nfrirtila <>r if'd'l, may le observed upon the surface of 
the yellow. In impregnated eggs, even when freshly laid, 
the germ-disk may be resolved by moderate magnifying 
power into a flattened mass of little cells which have al- 
ready arisen by this form of cleavage of the original pa- 
rent cell or discocytula, and have become a discomorula, 
or even advanced to the stage of a discoblastula or dis- 
cogastrula.- Discoidal eplpleurse, in entom., borders of 
the elytra which are strongly deflexed, appearing like pro- 
cesses of the lower surface of the disk. Kirby. Discoi- 
dal nervures, in enlum., the nervures in the center of the 
wing, entirely unconnected with other nervures, as incer- 
the toes dilated at tho ends, as in the 
tree-frogs or tree-toads : a synonym of "Platy- 
riactylu. 
discodactyle, a. See discodactyl. 
discogastrula (dis-ko-gas'tro-lii), n. ; pi. disco- 
gastrula; (-le). [NL.,'< Gr. itmc, a disk, + NL. 
gastrula, q. v.] In cmbryol., a disk-gastrula ; 
that special form of metagastnila or kiuoge- 
netic gastrula which results from discoidal 
egg-cleavage, or discoidal segmentation of the 
vitellus. Haeckel. 
Discpglossidae (dis-ko-glos'i-de), n. pi. [NL., 
< DltOOfflOtttU + -irffi'.J A family of arciferous 
salient amphibians, typified by the genus Disco- 
glosstis, with maxillary teeth, dilated sacral dia- 
ppphyses, precoracoids and cpracoids slightly 
divergent and generally tapering, and with the 
sternum emitting two divergent processes. The 
family is chiefly European, though one genus and species, 
UtwmM lo-lixti'ii:-i-i, is the only known New Zealand ba- 
trachian. Diicuyloisus has one species, of southern Eu- 
rope. (See cut below.) The obstetrical toad, Ali/tcsoutte- 
tricanx, tlie common Botiibinatttr utneiin, and several not- 
able fossil forms, chiefly of the genus Palceokatrachus, 
are also included in this family. See cut under Alytet. 
Discoglpssoidea (dis'ko-glo-soi'de-a), n. pi. 
[NL., < IHscoglosmi.i + -oidni.] A siiperf am- 
fly of arciferous phaueroglossate amphibians, 
with short ribs, and with tadpoles distinguished 
by a spiracle situated mesially on the thoracic 
region. All the known forms belong to one 
family, Discoglossida;. 
Discoglossus (dis-ko-glos'us), . [NL., < Gr. 
rfiovcof, disk, + 
))jjaoa, tongue.] 
A genus of tail- 
less batrachians, 
the type of the ^1 n 111 ^llfci \ 
family Discoglos- 
sida'. 
discohexaster 
(dis'ko-liek-sas'- 
t6r), n. [< Gr. 
lianas, disk, + ff, 
six, + aarqp, a 
star.] In sponges, 
a hexaster the rays 
of which end in 
disks. 
discoid (dis'koid), 
a. and n. [= F. 
discoide = Pg. 
discoide, < LL. aiscoidrs, < Gr. iiameiM/c, disk- 
shaped, < MoKaf, a disk, H- fidoc, fonn.] I. a. 
Having the form of a disk; pertaining to a 
disk. Specifically applied (a) In <<>/, -/<.. t.n rtaiil uni- 
valve .shells whose whorls are disposed vertically in the 
same plane, s.i as to form a disk, as in the "enns /'/./- 
... (b) In riulirtiol.. In (!) that form of deeidllate- 
ptaocnte whieh is eireular and flattened, as in man, ipiad- 
rumaiies, hats, insei tiv.m s. and rodents : (_') that form of 
yott-alMrage ,.r Hg ntation of the vitellus of a mero- 
blastie eio! which results in a flat germ-disk lying on the 
cake, as that of man, monkeys, bats, insectivores, and the 
rodents. 
Discpidea (dis-koi'de-a), H. pi. [NL., < Gr. oia- 
KoetSfa: see discoid.] 1. One of two primary 
groups into which Huxley divides the decidu- 
ate Mammalia (the other being Zonaria, which 
see), consisting of those Dcciduata which have 
a discoidal placenta. 
In the Dixntidfa . . . the placenta takes the form of a 
thick disc, which is sometimes more or less lobed. 
Huxley, Anat. Vert., p. 850. 
2. A group of echinoderms. Gray, 1825. 
DiscoideaB (dis-koi'de-e), n. pi. [NL., < Gr. 6ta- 
Koei6r/f : see discoid.] In some systems of classi- 
fication, a suborder of siphonophorous hydro- 
zoans, corresponding to the family Felellida! 
( Velella, Porpita), which is oftener referred to 
Physophorce ; the discoidal physophorans. The 
stem is reduced to a flat disk, with a system of canals in 
the central cavity ; the discoidal pneiimatocyst Is above, 
and tho polypoid or medusotd appendages arc below ; 
there is a large nutritive polyp surrounded by smaller 
ones to whieh the gonophores are attached ; and there are 
dactylozooids near the edge of the disk. 
discplith (dis'ko-lith), n. [< Gr. diaitof, a disk, 
+ ?./9of, a stone.] A calcareous body with an 
organic structure found embedded in bathybius. 
Two distinct types are recognizable among the Cocco- 
liths, whieh Prof. Huxley has designated respectively />i>- 
ciiliths and Oyatholiths. W. B. Carpenter, Micros., 409. 
discolor 1 , discolour (dis-kul'or), r. t. [< ME. 
descolouren, < OF. descolorer, descoulourcr, dcs- 
colorir (F. de"colorer: see decolor) = Sp. desco- 
lorar, descotorir = Pg. dcscorar = It. discolorare, 
discolorire, scoloran; scolorire, < ML. discolo- 
rare, < L. din- priv. + colorart, color: see dis- 
and color.] 1 . To alter the natural hue or color 
of; change to a different color or shade ; stain ; 
tinge. 
Drink water, either pure, or but ditcoloured with malt. 
Sir H'. Temple. 
2. To alter the complexion of ; change the ap- 
pearance of ; give a false appearance to. 
Jealousy with jaundice in her eyes, 
Ditcolouriny all she view'd. Dryden. 
Tlie former (executive departmental are generally the 
objects of jealousy; and their administration is always 
liable to be discoloured and rendered unpopular. 
A. Hamilton, The Federalist, No. 49. 
discolor 2 (dis'ko-lor), a. [= F. discolore, < L. 
discolor, of another color, party-colored, < dis-, 
apart, + color, color.] 1. In zodl. and bot., of 
varied or different colors; variegated; discol- 
orous ; not coneplor: said of any single object. 
2. In :ool., differing in color, as one thing 
from another; discolorate; not coucolor: usu- 
ally with with : as, elytra discolor with the 
thorax. 
Also discolorous, discolorate. 
discolorate (dis-kul'or-at), o. [< discolor 3 + 
-nil i.] Ill ~<><>l. , same as discolor". 
discoloration (dis-kul-o-ra'shon), . [< OF. 
/<"-'M'. a flower-head destitute of rays, the'tlowers hein" 
all tnhular, as in the tansy, boneset. etc. DlSCOld pith, 
J 04 
'= It. <lis<'<ilor<i;ione; as discol- 
+ -ation.] I. The act of discoloring, or 
discomfit 
the state of bein discolored ; alteration of col- 
or. 2. That which is discolored ; a discolored 
spot ; a stain : as, spots and discolorations of 
the skin. Specifically 3. In entom., an indis- 
tinct, paler, or discolored part of a surface; 
that which is colorless or nearly so, as if faded 
out. 
The mandibles are black, with a slight pale duruloratian 
on the inner tooth. Packard. 
4. Alteration of complexion or of the appear- 
ance of things: as, the discoloration of ideas, 
discolored, discoloured (dis-kul'ord), ;/. a. [< 
ME. discoloured; pp. of discolor 1 , discolour, v.] 
1. Of dimmed or darkened color; stained; 
blotched: as, a discolored spot on the skin or 
on a garment. 
The walls and pavement checkred with ditcvloured mar- 
ble. Sandy*, Travailcf, p. 93. 
2f. Variegated; being of diverse colors; dis- 
color. 
A dixolourd Snake, whose hidden snares 
Through the greene gras his long bright burnlsht luck 
declares. Spenser, F. Q., III. il. 28. 
Nor purple pheasant . . . with a perched pride 
Wave his dacoloured neck and purple side. 
11. Jonton, Vision of Delight 
3. Without colors or color. [Rare.] 
A IIKI, You have still in your hat the former colours. 
Mcr. You lie, sir, I have none: I have pulled them out. 
I meant to play dacoloured. 
B. Joiaon, Cynthia's Revels, v. 2. 
discolorous (dis-kul'pr-us), a. [< discolor^ + 
-ous."] Same as discolor 1 *. 
Usually they [apothecia] are diwoloroun, and may be 
black, brown, yellowish, or also less frequently rose-col- 
oured, rusty-red, orange-reddish, saffron, or of various in- 
termediate shades. Eneyc. Brit., XIV. 654. 
discolour, discoloured. See discolor 1 , discol- 
ored. 
Discomedusa (dis'ko-me-du'sft), w. [NL., < 
Gr. diaieof, a disk, + NL.'wierfMSO, q. v.] A ge- 
nus of discoidal jelly-fishes, of the family Aurc- 
liida:, with large oral arms with branched ves- 
sels and two marginal tentacles. D. lobata of 
the Adriatic is an example. Clans. 
Discomedusae (dis'ko-me-du'se), n. pi. [NL., 
pi. of Discomedusa.] An order of the class ffy- 
dro:oa and subclass Kcypliomeduso', including 
the discophorous hydrozoans, or Discoifliora in 
a strict sense, as those acalephs commonly call- 
ed jelly-fishes: so called from the large um- 
brella-like disk which these organisms possess. 
Most jelly-flshes belong to this order. They are techni- 
cally characterized as Sctiphonifduta; which develop as 
sexual meduslform individuals by transverse fission from 
a seyphistoma (which see), or else directly from the egg ; 
with 4 perradial, 4 interradial, and sometimes accessory 
adradial tentaculicysts; 4 or 8 geniud lobes developed 
from the endoderm forming the oral floor of the enteric 
cavity, which is extended into 4 or 8 pouches; and with 
the mouth either opening simply at the end of a nidi- 
mentary manubrium or provided with 4 or 8 aim-like pro- 
cesses. According to the character of the mouth, the Du- 
comeditga; are divided into three suborders, Cubostomcf, 
Semoitomar, and RhizoKtomar. To the last of these belongs 
the genus Cfphea. (See cut under Dittophora.) The order 
as here defined is contrasted with the three orders Lucer- 
nariai. Conttmtduxtt, and Pfrotnedutcaf, and is included 
with them in the subclass Scyphomeduste. Characteristic 
genera of discomedusans are Diseomcduta and Xauritkoe 
among the simple cubogtomous forms : the seniostonious 
Chrynaora, Pflatria, Ciianca, and Aurelia; and the rhizos- 
tomou&Cephfa.Casxiopeia, and Khizontotna. The term Di*~ 
coiMduxt? has also been wrongly extended to other scypho- 
medusans, thus becoming synonymous with the suliclaas 
ScyphomedtiMr, or with DiKopliora In one of its senses. 
discomedusan (dis'ko-me-du'san), a. and n. 
[(.Discomedusa! + -an.] 1. a. Pertaining to or 
having the characters of the Discomedusa!. 
H. n. One of tho Discomedusa!. 
discomedusoid (dis'ko-me-du'soid), a. [< Dia- 
comediisa! + -old.] Resembling a discomedu- 
san ; related or belonging to the Discomedusa: 
discomfit (dis-kum'fit), r. t. [< ME. diseomft- 
i n. ilixfonliten (also by apheresis scomfiten : see 
scomfit), < OF. desconfit (< ML. disconjfecttts, dis- 
confictus), pp. of desconfire, descunfire, descum- 
fire, desconfir, F. deconjire = Pr. deseonfir = It. 
iliaronfggere, sconfggere, < ML. disconficere, de- 
feat, rout, discomfit, < L. dis- priv. + conficere, 
achieve, accomplish, < con- (intensive) + fa- 
cere, do: see din- and comfit, conftct.] 1. To 
foil or thwart in battle ; overcome completely 
in fighting ; defeat ; rout. 
Joshua (lixutnfited Amalek and his people with the edge 
of the sword. Ex. xvii. I.I. 
He, fugitive, declined superior strength, 
Dimomjited, pursued. Philipt. 
2. To disconcert ; foil ; frustrate the plans of; 
throw into perplexity and dejection. 
Well, go with me, and be not BO ducomjitcd. 
Shot., T. of the S., U. 1. 
= Syn. 1. Overpower, Rout, etc. See dt/eat. 
