pulvillus

[puhl-vil-uhs]

noun

Entomology.

plural

pulvilli 

1. a soft, padlike structure located at the base of each claw on the feet of certain insects.

pulvillus

/ pʌlˈvɪləs /

noun

1. a small pad between the claws at the end of an insect's leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvillus¹

1685–95; < Latin, diminutive of pulvīnus cushion

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvillus¹

C18: from Latin, from pulvīnulus, diminutive of pulvīnus cushion

Example Sentences

Legs. d1 Coxa. d2 Trochanter. d3 Femur. d4 Tibia. d5 Tarsi. d6 Calcaria or Spurs. d7 Unguiculi or claws. d8 Pulvillus. e Front wing.

From Project Gutenberg

Empodium: Diptera; the small process between the pulvilli: in Coleoptera; the bifid pseudotarsi between the claws: used also as = pulvillus; and see arolium, onychium, palmula, paronychium, plantula, pseudonychium and pulvillus.

From Project Gutenberg

Extension plate: a structure at the base of the pulvillus whose function it is to extend it.

From Project Gutenberg

Extension sole: the pad-like pulvillus which may be extended by the extension plate through the pressure plate.

From Project Gutenberg

Onychium -ia: small processes between the tarsal claws in many Diptera; see empodium: a more or less retractile process on the feet of some beetles: in Hymenoptera, the apical tarsal joint bearing the claws: see also arolium and pulvillus.

From Project Gutenberg