Jacobson's organ

American  

[jey-kuhb-suhnz] / ˈdʒeɪ kəb sənz /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. either of a pair of blind, tubular, olfactory sacs in the roof of the mouth, vestigial in humans but well-developed in many animals, especially reptiles.

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Etymology

Origin of Jacobson's organ

1870–75; named after L. L. Jacobson (died 1843), Danish anatomist

Example Sentences

Our feline friends have another tool at their disposal: the Jacobson’s organ.

From National Geographic • Jan. 2, 2024

This shunts air molecules to the Jacobson’s organ.

From National Geographic • Jan. 2, 2024

The inhaled air is trapped on the olfactory epithelium and/or the Jacobson’s organ, giving kitties an extra chance to detect scent molecules.

From National Geographic • Jan. 2, 2024

Although you may never have heard of it, scientists have been hotly debating whether you have a Jacobson’s organ, or vomeronasal organ.

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2014

Jacobson’s organ has been lost by the birds, apparently without a trace in the embryonic fowl, but T.J.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Slice 7 "Bible" to "Bisectrix" by Various