ovipositor

noun ovi·pos·i·tor \ ˈō-və-ˌpä-zə-tər , ˌō-və-ˈpä- \

Definition of ovipositor

: a specialized organ (as of an insect) for depositing eggs — see insect illustration

Recent Examples of ovipositor from the Web

Research already demonstrates that the differences in ovipositor length and body size in the yucca moths’ genomes are more pronounced, suggesting that natural selection has driven the discrepancy.

— sam schipani, Smithsonian, "How a Tree and Its Moth Shaped the Mojave Desert," 10 Aug. 2017
In turn, the moth lays her eggs with its thin, blade-like ovipositor on the flowers’ seeds.

— sam schipani, Smithsonian, "How a Tree and Its Moth Shaped the Mojave Desert," 10 Aug. 2017
When the styles are too short, the moths can damage the flowers with their ovipositor.

— sam schipani, Smithsonian, "How a Tree and Its Moth Shaped the Mojave Desert," 10 Aug. 2017
Stinger and ovipositors are now separate in all insects except parasitic wasps, which often inject their eggs into a host with just a splash of paralyzing venom.

— National Geographic, "The Worst Places to be Stung? Ask This Guy," 5 June 2016
Once the plant surface is covered, insects have a really difficult time inserting either their mouthparts or ovipositors into the plants to do damage.

— sally mccabe, Philly.com, "June 16-22: In the garden, it's time to…," 16 June 2017
Stingers evolved from ovipositors, the tubes through which eggs are laid, which are, of course, found only in females.

— National Geographic, "The Worst Places to be Stung? Ask This Guy," 5 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ovipositor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.