ˈklipēəs noun
( plural clyp·ei -ēˌī)
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin clipeus, clupeus, clypeus round shield
1. : a plate or shield on the anterior median aspect of an insect's head that commonly consists of two fused sclerites and bears the labrum on its anterior margin
2. botany : a black disklike tissue formed about the mouth of the perithecia in certain ascomycetes
3. : the area on the front of a spider's head bounded by the eyes and the first pair of appendages