spiracle

noun

spi·​ra·​cle ˈspir-i-kəl 

ˈspī-ri-

1

: a breathing hole : vent

2

: a breathing orifice: such as

a

: blowhole sense 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

spə-ˈra-kyə-lər 

spī-

adjective

Examples of spiracle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From there, the oxygen travels through the suit and into tubes attached to the cockroach's spiracles. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026

Cockroaches breathe through microscopic holes along their bodies called spiracles. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026

The oxygen released in the tank then flows through four silicone supply tubes that are attached to the roach’s spiracles prior to the operation. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 1 July 2026

Their respiratory system consists of spiracles and branching tracheal tubes that deliver oxygen directly throughout the body. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

For insects, oxygen enters their bodies through tiny openings called spiracles, traveling through internal networks of tubes called tracheae. — Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Some modern-day fishes that breathe air have similarly large spiracles. — John A. Long, Scientific American, 20 May 2020

From each spiracle, the blue tubes, called trachea, carry oxygen into the chrysalis. — Lisa Raffensperger, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2013

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin spiraculum, from spirare to breathe

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spiracle

• empirical
• satirical
• lyrical
• miracle
• semiempirical

Kids Definition

spiracle

noun

spi·​ra·​cle ˈspir-i-kəl 

ˈspī-ri-

: any of the openings in the body of an arthropod and especially of an insect through which air enters a trachea