Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

cultellus

noun
cul·​tel·​lus | \ kəlˈteləs\
plural cultelli\ -​eˌlī , -​(ˌ)lē \

Definition of cultellus

: one of the sharp pointed cutting organs (as mandibles and maxillae) of many bloodsucking flies

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of cultellus

1826, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cultellus

New Latin, from Latin, small knife, diminutive of culter knife, plowshare

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about cultellus

Share cultellus

Dictionary Entries near cultellus

cult

cultch

cultellation

cultellus

culticutter

cultigen

cultipack

Statistics for cultellus

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for cultellus

The first known use of cultellus was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Comments on cultellus

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

hamartia

Listen to the pronounciation of hamartia

a flaw that causes the downfall of a hero

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

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