Hectocotylus
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Hectocotylus is a noun meaning (zoology) A modified arm of any of several male cephalopods that functions as a reproductive organ by transferring sperm to the mantle of the female.
Meaning
(zoology) A modified arm of any of several male cephalopods that functions as a reproductive organ by transferring sperm to the mantle of the female.
Example Sentences
The hectocotylus, like many other genitals, is made of soft tissues which are unlikely to be fossilised.
When not in use, the male's hectocotylus hides in a pouch, leaving him to go about his business with only seven arms.
Word Forms
- hectocotyli
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include hectocotyly, hectocotylization, nectostem, hydroecium, somatocyst, cingulum.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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