hectocotylus

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English

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Etymology

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From New Latin, corresponding to hecto- +‎ Ancient Greek κότυλος (kótulos, small cup).

Noun

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hectocotylus (plural hectocotyli)

  1. (zoology) A modified arm of any of several male cephalopods that functions as a reproductive organ by transferring sperm to the mantle of the female. [from 19th c.]
    • 2017, Danna Staaf, Squid Empire, ForeEdge, →ISBN, page 170:
      When not in use, the male's hectocotylus hides in a pouch, leaving him to go about his business with only seven arms.
    • 2018 January 24, Elsa Panciroli, The Guardian:
      The hectocotylus, like many other genitals, is made of soft tissues which are unlikely to be fossilised.

Derived terms

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