Branchial \Bran"chi*al\, a. (Anat.) Of or pertaining to branchi[ae] or gills. [1913 Webster] {Branchial arches}, the bony or cartilaginous arches which support the gills on each side of the throat of fishes and amphibians. See Illustration in Appendix. {Branchial clefts}, the openings between the branchial arches through which water passes. [1913 Webster]