pulvillus

[ puhl-vil-uhs ]

noun

, Entomology.

, plural pul·vil·li [puhl-, vil, -ahy].

1. a soft, padlike structure located at the base of each claw on the feet of certain insects.

pulvillus

/ pʌlˈvɪləs /

noun

1. a small pad between the claws at the end of an insect's leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvillus¹

1685–95; < Latin, diminutive of pulvīnus cushion

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvillus¹

C18: from Latin, from pulvīnulus, diminutive of pulvīnus cushion

Example Sentences

The little tarsus is like the tarsus of the hind leg with its claws and its pulvillus, only, of course, it is smaller.

From Project Gutenberg

Extension plate: a structure at the base of the pulvillus whose function it is to extend it.

From Project Gutenberg

Extension sole: the pad-like pulvillus which may be extended by the extension plate through the pressure plate.

From Project Gutenberg

Pad: the pulvillus, or that part of it which is capable of extension and retraction in some Coleoptera.

From Project Gutenberg

Plantula: a lobe of the divided tarsal pulvillus; one of the soles or climbing cushions of the foot: see arolium; pulviglus.

From Project Gutenberg