spiracle

noun

spi·ra·cle | \ˈspir-i-kəl,

ˈspī-ri-\

Definition of spiracle

1 : a breathing hole : vent

2 : a breathing orifice: such as

b : an external tracheal aperture of a terrestrial arthropod that in an insect is usually one of a series of small apertures located along each side of the thorax and abdomen — see insect illustration

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The photographs showed children touching the animal, unintentionally covering the spiracle. — Robert Newhouse, Teen Vogue, "Beachgoers in Spain Killed a Baby Dolphin," 17 Aug. 2017 When disturbed, say by a predator, these North American insects compress their bodies and squeeze air out of holes in the sides of their bodies, called spiracles. — National Geographic, "Whistling Caterpillars And 5 More Surprisingly Musical Species," 26 Apr. 2017

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