cercus
1
9.9
A pair of tail-like parts at the rear of some insects used to feel and sometimes to hold or protect
- noun
- /ˈsɜr.kəs/
- Specialized
:
cercus
- Some insects use their cerci to sense vibrations in their environment.
Examples
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Many insects have a pair of cerci at their rear end.
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During mating, the male used his cercus to hold the female securely.
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The scientist examined the cercus of the cricket under a microscope to study its structure.
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The insect's cercus helps it navigate through tight spaces.
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The scientist examined the cercus of the cricket under a microscope to study its structure.
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Many insects have a pair of cerci at their rear end.
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During mating, the male used his cercus to hold the female securely.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Cercus comes from an old Greek word kerkos meaning 'tail', so a cercus is a tail-like part at the back of some insects used to feel things, hold on, or help them move.