palp

American  

[palp] / pælp /

noun

1. a palpus.

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palp British  

/ ˈpælpəs, pælp /

noun

1. either of a pair of sensory appendages that arise from the mouthparts of crustaceans and insects

2. either of a pair of tactile organs arising from the head or anterior end of certain annelids and molluscs

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palp Scientific  

/ pălp /

1. A segmented organ extending from the mouthparts of arthropods, used for touch or taste.

2. Also called palpus

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Other Word Forms

• palpal adjective

Etymology

Origin of palp

C19: from French, from Latin palpus a touching

Example Sentences

The male palp alone can grow to around 5 cm, nearly four times longer than the front section of the body and almost as long as the spider's longest legs.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

I had 103.7° fever, a blood pressure that was 80 over palp, and oxygen levels that were so low I required oxygen support at a level just below that achieved with mechanical ventilation.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2020

Mandibles present in pupa, vestigial in imago; maxillae suctorial without specialization; first maxillae with lacinia, galea and palp.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" by Various

In most cases, however, the palp loses its exopodite and it often disappears altogether, while the coxal segment forms the body of the mandible, with a masticatory edge variously armed with teeth and spines.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

A second ramus, the “exopodite,” often is also retained in the form of a palp or feeler.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various