Definitions

1. adjective

relating to the branchial arches or the branchial clefts; specifically, relating to the pharyngeal arches or their derivatives in vertebrates.

“The branchial clefts are visible in the embryo’s pharyngeal arches.”

2. noun

one of the five branchial pouches or clefts that develop in the pharynx of a vertebrate embryo.

“In humans, the branchial clefts usually close, but in some cases, they can remain open, resulting in a branchial fistula.”