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spiracular

spiracular

1 9.9
Relating to small breathing openings on animals like insects or fish
  • adjective
  • /ˈspɪrəkjələr/
  • Specialized
: espiracular
  • Damage to the spiracular system can affect an insect's ability to survive underwater.

Examples

  • The spiracular openings of the fish allow for efficient breathing.

  • Insects have spiracular systems that help them breathe.

  • The scientist examined the spiracular structures on the side of the insect's body.

  • Fish larvae often have visible spiracular openings used for breathing.

  • The spiracular openings of the fish allow it to breathe underwater.

  • Insects often have spiracular structures on their bodies that facilitate respiration.

  • The spiracular system in these creatures plays a vital role in their breathing processes.

Synonyms

aeriferous
vsspiracular
  • Specialized
9.9

Carrying air through parts of a plant or animal

is specific to external respiratory openings rather than general air carrying passages

Surface Forms

spiracular positive

Morphology

spiracular = spiracle (transparent) = spiracle + ar

Formed from the noun 'spiracle' with the adjective-forming suffix '-ar', meaning 'relating to spiracle' which is directly predictable.

Etymology

Spiracular comes from the Latin root spirare, which means 'to breathe', and from spiraculum, a word for 'a little breathing hole'. Like respire or inspire, spiracular describes the small openings on some animals that they use to breathe.