‖n. pl. [ NL., from L. dorsum back + branchiae gills. ] (Zool.) A division of chætopod annelids in which the branchiæ are along the back, on each side, or on the parapodia. [ See Illusts. under Annelida and Chætopoda. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Zool.) Having branchiæ along the back; belonging to the Dorsibranchiata. -- n. One of the Dorsibranchiata. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Dorsum + -ferous; cf. F. dorsifère. ] (Biol.) Bearing, or producing, on the back; -- applied to ferns which produce seeds on the back of the leaf, and to certain Batrachia, the ova of which become attached to the skin of the back of the parent, where they develop; dorsiparous. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Dorsum + meson. ] (Anat.) See Meson. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Dorsum + L. parere to bring forth. ] (Biol.) Same as Dorsiferous. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Dorsum + ventral. ] 1. (Biol.) Having distinct upper and lower surfaces, as most common leaves. The leaves of the iris are not dorsiventral. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Anat.) See Dorsoventral. [ 1913 Webster ]