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hectocotylus

[ hek-tuh-kot-l-uhs ]

noun

, Zoology.
, plural hec·to·cot·y·li [hek-t, uh, -, kot, -l-ahy].
  1. a modified arm of the male of certain cephalopods that is used to transfer sperm to the female.


hectocotylus

/ ˌhɛktəʊˈkɒtɪləs /

noun

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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of hectocotylus1

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

Origin of hectocotylus1

C19: New Latin, from hecto- + Greek kotulē cup
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Example Sentences

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

Hectocotylus autotomous; arms unequal in size; aquiferous pores on head and funnel.

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hecto-hectogram