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

Snailfish use syringe-like ovipositors to deposit their eggs.

From Nautilus

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

From Washington Post

On the former supposition, the ovipositor must be remarkably long and flexile to enable the animal to place the eggs on its back.

From Project Gutenberg

A tubular ovipositor, consisting of several pieces often retractile within each other, like the tubes of a telescope.

From Project Gutenberg

Two lateral lamin, often coriaceous, by which the ovipositor when unemployed is covered.

From Project Gutenberg

They all have membranous wings, and all the females have either a saw, an ovipositor or a sting at the tip of the abdomen.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of these have the ovipositor greatly lengthened, and projecting like a very slender needle from the extremity of the abdomen.

From Project Gutenberg