pedipalp

noun ped·i·palp \ ˈpe-də-ˌpalp \

Definition of pedipalp

: either of the second pair of appendages of various arthropods (such as an arachnid or horseshoe crab) that lie on each side of the mouth and often perform a specialized function (such as grasping or feeling)

Note: Pedipalps are typically small and leglike in spiders, and large and pincerlike in scorpions.

Recent Examples of pedipalp from the Web

But as the male dismounts, the pedipalp grasps and twists the scapus, snipping it off as if with scissors.

— National Geographic, "Bondage, Cannibalism, and Castration—Spiders' Wild Sex Lives," 14 Feb. 2017
Male orb weavers of the Argiope genus die upon inserting that second pedipalp.

— liz langley, National Geographic, "5 Animals That Mate Themselves to Death," 25 Feb. 2017

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