ovipositor

[ oh-vuh-poz-i-ter ]

noun

1. (in certain female insects) an organ at the end of the abdomen, by which eggs are deposited.
2. a similar organ in other animals, as certain fishes.

ovipositor

/ ˌəʊvɪˈpɒzɪtə /

noun

1. the egg-laying organ of most female insects, consisting of a pair of specialized appendages at the end of the abdomen
2. a similar organ in certain female fishes, formed by an extension of the edges of the genital opening

ovipositor

/ ō′və-pŏz′ĭ-tər /

1. A tube in many female insects that extends from the end of the abdomen and is used to lay eggs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovipositor¹

First recorded in 1810–20; oviposit + -or ²

Example Sentences

When a predator dares get too close to a female wasp, she can use her ovipositor — her egg-laying tube organ — to deliver a painful, venomous jab.

From New York Times

These multi-purpose ovipositors are “some of the most medically and economically important body parts on the planet,” said Catherine Linnen, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Kentucky, who was not involved with the study.

From New York Times

When an adult wasp locates ash borer eggs or larvae, it uses a tubelike organ called an ovipositor to deposit its babies.

From Washington Post

Next, they align the female’s ovipositor with the male’s pouch opening so the female can deposit her eggs.

From Science Magazine

Usually about an hour later, the female will search for a tender tree branch, slice into it with her swordlike ovipositor, and lay eggs in the space.

From Washington Post