palpus

[ pal-puhs ]

noun

, plural pal·pi [pal, -pahy].

1. an appendage attached to an oral part and serving as an organ of sense in insects, crustaceans, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of palpus¹

1805–15; < New Latin, special use of Latin palpus a stroking, caress, palm of the hand; akin to feel

Example Sentences

Near the root or base of the mandibles on each side is a jointed feeler, or palpus; but spiders have no antenn.

From Project Gutenberg

The labium in Japyx is four-lobed and bears a small two-jointed palpus.

From Project Gutenberg

The palpus, too, on this side was turned back to correspond to the direction of the legs nearest it.

From Project Gutenberg

Its true function appears to be that of an extra palpus or "feeler."

From Project Gutenberg

The palpus of the male (fig. 339) has large and complicated appendages at the end.

From Project Gutenberg