Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

cercus

noun cer·cus \ ˈsər-kəs \

Definition of cercus

plural cerci play \ˈsər-ˌsī, -ˌkī\
: either of a pair of simple or segmented appendages at the posterior end of various arthropods that usually act as sensory organs

See cercus defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of cercus

New Latin, from Greek kerkos

Medical Dictionary

cercus

noun cer·cus \ ˈsər-kəs \

medical Definition of cercus

plural cerci play \ˈsər-ˌsī, -ˌkī\
: either of a pair of simple or segmented appendages at the posterior end of various arthropods

Learn More about cercus

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cercus

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cercus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

voracity

play

the quality or state of being insatiable

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  2. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  3. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  4. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  5. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

cercus

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games