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spiracle

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noun spi·ra·cle \ ˈspir-i-kəl , ˈspī-ri- \

Definition of spiracle

1 :a breathing hole :vent
2 :a breathing orifice: such as
a :blowhole 2
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
—

spiracular

play \spə-ˈra-kyə-lər, spī-\ adjective

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Recent Examples of spiracle from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of spiracle

Middle English, from Latin spiraculum, from spirare to breathe

SPIRACLE Defined for Kids

spiracle

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noun spi·ra·cle \ ˈspir-ə-kəl \

Definition of spiracle for Students

:an opening on the body (as of an insect) used for breathing

Learn More about spiracle

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spiracle

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