hectocotylus

American  

[hek-tuh-kot-l-uhs] / ˌhɛk təˈkɒt l əs /

noun

Zoology.

plural

hectocotyli

1. a modified arm of the male of certain cephalopods that is used to transfer sperm to the female.

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hectocotylus British  

/ ˌhɛktəʊˈkɒtɪləs /

noun

1. a tentacle in certain male cephalopod molluscs, such as the octopus, that is specialized for transferring spermatozoa to the female

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Etymology

Origin of hectocotylus

1850–55; < New Latin, equivalent to hecto- hecto- + -cotylus < Greek kotýlē cup

Example Sentences

The hectocotylus, like many other genitals, is made of soft tissues which are unlikely to be fossilised.

From The Guardian • Jan. 24, 2018

The details of these structures, especially in the facts concerning the hectocotylus and spadix, afford the most conclusive reasons for dissenting from Owen’s view.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

Arms long and equal, without membrane; hectocotylus not autotomous.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various