ovipositor

American  

[oh-vuh-poz-i-ter] / ˌoʊ vəˈpɒz ɪ tər /

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.

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ovipositor British  

/ 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

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ovipositor Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of ovipositor

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