pulvillus

American  

[puhl-vil-uhs] / pʌlˈvɪl əs /

noun

Entomology.

plural

pulvilli

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

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pulvillus British  

/ pʌlˈvɪləs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of pulvillus

1685–95; < Latin, diminutive of pulvīnus cushion

Example Sentences

The lower rim of the cup-like depression which terminates the tubercle and contains the pulvillus is sometimes slightly prolonged into a tooth, which in prismaticum becomes the sharp tip of the tubercle.

From North American Species of Cactus by Coulter, John Merle

Plantula: a lobe of the divided tarsal pulvillus; one of the soles or climbing cushions of the foot: see arolium; pulviglus.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

John wants to know if the beetle's pulvillus does not act just like the "sucker" that boys make.

From The Insect Folk by Morley, Margaret Warner

The little tarsus is like the tarsus of the hind leg with its claws and its pulvillus, only, of course, it is smaller.

From The Insect Folk by Morley, Margaret Warner

Pressure plate: a structure at base of pulvillus, which exerts a pressure on the sole of the pad.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.