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pedipalp

noun
ped·​i·​palp | \ ˈpe-dÉ™-ËŒpalp How to pronounce pedipalp (audio) \

Definition of pedipalp

: either of the second pair of appendages of various arthropods (such as an arachnid or horseshoe crab) that lie on each side of the mouth and often perform a specialized function (such as grasping or feeling)

Note: Pedipalps are typically small and leglike in spiders, and large and pincerlike in scorpions.

Examples of pedipalp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 But as the male dismounts, the pedipalp grasps and twists the scapus, snipping it off as if with scissors. — National Geographic, "Bondage, Cannibalism, and Castration—Spiders' Wild Sex Lives," 14 Feb. 2017 Male orb weavers of the Argiope genus die upon inserting that second pedipalp. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "5 Animals That Mate Themselves to Death," 25 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pedipalp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pedipalp

1826, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pedipalp

New Latin pedipalpus, from ped-, pes foot + palpus palpus

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More from Merriam-Webster on pedipalp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedipalp

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