Definition of spiracle
1 : a breathing hole : vent
2 : a breathing orifice: such asa : blowhole 2b : 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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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
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spiracle
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