aedeagus

noun

ae·​de·​a·​gus
variants or less commonly aedoeagus
¦ē-dē-¦ā-gəs,
ē-ˈdē-ə-
plural aedeagi also aedoeagi
¦ē-dē-¦ā-ˌgī,
-ˌjī,
ē-ˈdē-ə-
: the intromittent organ of a male insect : phallus
sometimes : the distal part of this structure

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek aidoia genitals + agos leader, from agein to lead

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aedeagus was in 1860

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near aedeagus

Cite this Entry

“Aedeagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aedeagus. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!