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spiracle

noun
spi·​ra·​cle | \ ˈspir-i-kəl How to pronounce spiracle (audio) , ˈspī-ri-\

Definition of spiracle

1 : a breathing hole : vent
2 : a breathing orifice: such as
a : blowhole sense 2
b : an external tracheal aperture of a terrestrial arthropod that in an insect is usually one of a series of small apertures located along each side of the thorax and abdomen — see insect illustration
Other Words from spiracle Example Sentences Learn More about spiracle

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Other Words from spiracle

spiracular \ spə-​ˈra-​kyə-​lər How to pronounce spiracular (audio) , spī-​ \ adjective

Examples of spiracle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The photographs showed children touching the animal, unintentionally covering the spiracle. — Robert Newhouse, Teen Vogue, "Beachgoers in Spain Killed a Baby Dolphin," 17 Aug. 2017 When disturbed, say by a predator, these North American insects compress their bodies and squeeze air out of holes in the sides of their bodies, called spiracles. — National Geographic, "Whistling Caterpillars And 5 More Surprisingly Musical Species," 26 Apr. 2017

First Known Use of spiracle

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for spiracle

Middle English, from Latin spiraculum, from spirare to breathe

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More Definitions for spiracle

spiracle

noun
spi·​ra·​cle | \ ˈspir-ə-kəl How to pronounce spiracle (audio) \

Kids Definition of spiracle

: an opening on the body (as of an insect) used for breathing

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