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spiracle

noun
spi·​ra·​cle | \ ˈspir-i-kÉ™l How to pronounce spiracle (audio) , ˈspÄ«-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 \ spÉ™-​ˈra-​kyÉ™-​lÉ™r How to pronounce spiracular (audio) , spÄ«-​ \ 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

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

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-É™-kÉ™l How to pronounce spiracle (audio) \

Kids Definition of spiracle

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spiracle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spiracle

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