mastigium

[ ma-stij-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural mas·tig·i·a [ma-, stij, -ee-, uh].

1. an extensible, lashlike, anal organ in certain caterpillars.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mastigium¹

1895–1900; < New Latin < Greek mastīgion, diminutive of mástix whip

Example Sentences

Mastigium -ia: telescopic anal organs in certain caterpillars, serving to repel attacks of parasites.

From Project Gutenberg