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spinneret

American  
[spin-uh-ret, spin-uh-ret] / ˈspɪn əˌrɛt, ˌspɪn əˈrɛt /

noun

  1. an organ or part by means of which a spider, insect larva, or the like spins a silky thread for its web or cocoon.

  2. a metal plate or cup with tiny holes through which a chemical solution is extruded to form continuous filaments, as of rayon, nylon, or polyester.


spinneret British  
/ ˈspɪnəˌrɛt /

noun

  1. any of several organs in spiders and certain insects through which silk threads are exuded

  2. a finely perforated dispenser through which a viscous liquid is extruded in the production of synthetic fibres

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spinneret Scientific  
/ spĭn′ə-rĕt /
  1. One of the small openings in the back part of a spider or silk-producing insect larva, through which the sticky fluid that dries into silk is released.


Etymology

Origin of spinneret

First recorded in 1820–30; spinner + -et

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The silk is stiffened with a sort of gum as it comes out of the spinneret.

From Makers of Many Things by Tappan, Eva March

Spin′nerule, one of the tubules of a spinneret; Spin′nery, a spinning-mill.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Each thread in turn is pulled at right angles at its middle, and then fastened by means of the creature's spinneret.

From Butterflies and Moths (British) by Furneaux, William S.

The latter draws the thread from the spinneret and passes it to the inner leg, which, with a graceful movement, lays it on the radius crossed. 

From The Life of the Spider by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander

It twists round in its sheath; it adopts without inconvenience whatever position it pleases, so as to bring its spinneret full face with the point to be gummed.

From The Life of the fly; with which are interspersed some chapters of autobiography by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander