spiracle

spi·ra·cle

noun \ˈspir-i-kəl, ˈspī-ri-\

Definition of SPIRACLE

1

: a breathing hole : vent

2

: a breathing orifice: as a : blowhole 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

— spi·rac·u·lar \spə-ˈra-kyə-lər, spī-\ adjective

Origin of SPIRACLE

Middle English, from Latin spiraculum, from spirare to breathe

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with SPIRACLE

lyrical, miracle, spherical