cremaster
1
9.9
A hooklike part at the end of a butterfly pupa that helps it attach to a surface
- noun
- /ˈkrimˌæstər/
- Specialized
:
cremaster
- The cremaster helps the pupa cling to a branch.
Examples
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Scientists examined the cremaster under a microscope to study how it attaches to silk pads.
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The cremaster anchors the butterfly pupa securely to the branch during metamorphosis.
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Without a strong cremaster, the chrysalis might fall before the butterfly emerges.
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Many insects have a cremaster for attachment.
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The cremaster helps the pupa securely attach itself to a branch during its transformation.
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Using its cremaster, the chrysalis anchored itself firmly to the underside of a leaf.
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The researcher observed the cremaster, which acted like a hook, securing the pupa in place.
Surface Forms
cremaster singular
cremasters plural
Etymology
Cremaster comes from an old Greek word kremastēr meaning 'hanger' or 'to hang'. So the cremaster on a pupa is like a small hook that 'hangs' and holds the chrysalis to a branch.