cercus

[ sur-kuhs, ker- ]

/ ˈsɜr kəs, ˈkɛr- /

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noun, plural cer·ci

[sur-sahy, ker-kee]. /ˈsɜr saɪ, ˈkɛr ki/.

one of a pair of appendages at the rear of the abdomen of certain insects and other arthropods, serving as tactile organs.

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Origin of cercus

1820–30; <New Latin <Greek kérkos tail

OTHER WORDS FROM cercus

cercal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cercus in a sentence

There are five pairs of biramous appendages belonging to this shield, and behind these a pair of jointed cerci.
The Appendages, Anatomy, and Relationships of Trilobites|Percy Edward Raymond
The cerci appear to have been long, slender, very spinose organs much like the antennules, but stiff rather than flexible.
The Appendages, Anatomy, and Relationships of Trilobites|Percy Edward Raymond
The caudal cerci are richly segmented, slightly flexible, spinous tactile organs.
The Appendages, Anatomy, and Relationships of Trilobites|Percy Edward Raymond
I would say that I have no doubt that the cerci of insects are directly inherited from the insect ancestors.
The Appendages, Anatomy, and Relationships of Trilobites|Percy Edward Raymond

Cercopoda: jointed foot-like appendages of the last abdominal segment; also applied like cerci.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for cercus

cercus

/ (ˈsɜːkəs) /

noun plural -ci (-siː)

one of a pair of sensory appendages at the tip of the abdomen of some insects and other arthropods

Word Origin for cercus

C19: from New Latin, from Greek kerkos tail

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012