tentacle

ten·ta·cle

noun \ˈten-ti-kəl\

Definition of TENTACLE

1

: any of various elongate flexible usually tactile or prehensile processes borne by animals and especially invertebrates chiefly on the head or about the mouth

2

a : something that resembles a tentacle especially in or as if in grasping or feeling out <corruption spreading its tentacles> b : a sensitive hair or emergence on a plant (as the sundew)

— ten·ta·cled \-kəld\ adjective

Examples of TENTACLE

1. The corporation's tentacles are felt in every sector of the industry.
2. the tentacles of organized crime

Origin of TENTACLE

New Latin tentaculum, from Latin tentare to feel, touch — more at tempt

First Known Use: circa 1762

Rhymes with TENTACLE

denticle, pentacle