ˈepəˌfram noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek epiphragma covering, lid, from epiphrassein, epiphrattein to block up, stop up, from epi- + phrassein, phrattein to enclose, fence in, block — more at farce
1. : a membranous or calcareous septum with which many inoperculate gastropods close the shell aperture in hibernation or aestivation
2.
a. : a taut membrane attached to the tips of the peristome teeth and closing the aperture of the capsule in mosses of the family Polytrichaceae — called also tympanum
b. : a delicate membrane closing the cuplike sporophore in fungi of the family Nidulariaceae