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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Recent Examples of spiracle from the Web
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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.
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.
Origin and Etymology of spiracle
Middle English, from Latin spiraculum, from spirare to breathe
SPIRACLE Defined for Kids
spiracle
playDefinition 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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