palpus

noun

pal·​pus ˈpal-pəs How to pronounce palpus (audio)
plural palpi ˈpal-ˌpī How to pronounce palpus (audio)
-(ˌ)pē
: a segmented usually tactile or gustatory process on an arthropod mouthpart see insect illustration

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, caress, soft palm of the hand, from palpare

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of palpus was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near palpus

Cite this Entry

“Palpus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palpus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

palpus

noun
pal·​pus ˈpal-pəs How to pronounce palpus (audio)
plural palpi -ˌpī How to pronounce palpus (audio)
-pē
: a part that sticks out from a mouthpart of an arthropod and is used in sensing by touch or in feeding
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