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Glite Dictionary
maxillary palpus

maxillary palpus

9.9
A small feeler made of parts on the outer side of an insect's mouth that senses smells
  • noun
  • /ˈmæksɪˌlɛri ˈpælpəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : palpo maxilar
  • Damage to the maxillary palpus can affect an insect's ability to detect environmental cues.

Examples

  • Insects use their maxillary palpi for tasting food.

  • The scientist examined the maxillary palpus under a microscope to study its structure.

  • Certain butterflies use their maxillary palpi to sense food sources nearby.

  • The maxillary palpus helps insects sense their environment.

  • Certain butterflies use their maxillary palpus to sense food sources nearby.

  • The scientist examined the maxillary palpus under a microscope to study its structure.

  • Damage to the maxillary palpus can affect an insect's ability to detect environmental cues.

Synonyms

palp
vsmaxillary palpus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small sensitive part near the mouth of insects used for touching and tasting

is specifically a segmented appendage on each jaw rather than a general organ
palpus
vsmaxillary palpus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small feeler near the mouth that insects and similar animals use to taste or touch

is a segmented sensory appendage on the outer side of each jaw

Surface Forms

maxillary palpus singular
maxillary palpi plural

Morphology

maxillary + palpus

The meaning is directly compositional: 'maxillary' (of the upper jaw/maxilla) modifies 'palpus' (a mouth appendage), so the phrase denotes an appendage located on the maxilla with a sensory role. Although the term is technical, a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer its location and basic function, so the construction is transparent.

Etymology

The term maxillary palpus literally names a small feeler by the jaw: maxillary means 'of the jaw' and palpus means 'feeler'. That's why it now means the small, jointed feeler insects use to 'sense' food and the world around them.