n.
Pronunciation: ' tek-t ə m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural tec · ta \ -t ə \
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, roof, dwelling, from neuter of tectus, past participle of tegere to cover ― more at THATCH
Date: circa 1905
: a bodily structure resembling or serving as a roof especially : the dorsal part of the midbrain
– tec · tal \ ' tek-t ə l \ adjective