palpus

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a segmented sensory appendage attached to a mouthpart of an arthropod and used chiefly for touch or taste

   The cave insect explored the rock with its elongated palpus before moving forward.

2. 2
   noun

   a fleshy sensory structure near the mouth of certain marine worms

   Each palpus helps the worm detect and handle particles in the sediment.

From New Latin palpus, specialized from Latin palpus, 'a caress or soft palm of the hand,' related to palpare, 'to touch gently.' The name reflects the appendage's tactile and gustatory functions.

Topics

External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary