cremaster

American  

[kri-mas-ter] / krɪˈmæs tər /

noun

1. Entomology. a usually hooklike process on the posterior tip of a chrysalis, for attaching the pupa to a stem, twig, etc.

2. Anatomy. the suspensory muscle of the testis.

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Other Word Forms

• cremasterial adjective
• cremasteric adjective

Etymology

Origin of cremaster

1670–80; < Latin < Greek kremastḗr literally, suspender, akin to kremannýnai to hang

Example Sentences

Descending from the internal oblique muscle of the abdominal wall are the two cremaster muscles, which cover each testis like a muscular net.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Divining this in Barney's art, you can begin with the word cremaster.

From Time Magazine Archive

The cremaster is a characteristic structure in the pupa of a moth or butterfly.

From The Life-Story of Insects by Carpenter, George H. (George Herbert)

There are also two proper coats—the outer called cliotrodes, or virginales; the inner albugidia; in the outer the cremaster is inserted.

From The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle

This hook-like projection is called the cremaster, and it serves a very important purpose in holding the chrysalis in position.

From Butterflies Worth Knowing by Weed, Clarence M.