cercus

[ sur-kuhs, ker- ]

noun

, plural cer·ci [sur, -sahy, ker, -kee].

1. one of a pair of appendages at the rear of the abdomen of certain insects and other arthropods, serving as tactile organs.

cercus

/ ˈsɜːkəs /

noun

1. one of a pair of sensory appendages at the tip of the abdomen of some insects and other arthropods

Other Words From

• cercal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cercus¹

1820–30; < New Latin < Greek kérkos tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of cercus¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek kerkos tail