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cerci

 - 4 dictionary results

cer⋅cus

  [sur-kuhs, ker-]
Use cerci in a Sentence
–noun, plural cer⋅ci  [sur-sahy, ker-kee] .
one of a pair of appendages at the rear of the abdomen of certain insects and other arthropods, serving as tactile organs.
Origin:
1820–30; < NL < Gk kérkos tail

Related forms:
cercal, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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cer·cus   (sûr'kəs, kěr'-)   
n.   pl. cer·ci (sûr'sī, -kī, kěr'kē)
Either of a pair of terminal, dorsolateral sensory appendages of certain insects, such as the female mosquito.

[New Latin, from Greek kerkos, tail.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: cer·cus
Pronunciation: 's&r-k&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural cer·ci /'s&r-"sI, -"kI/
: either of a pair of simple or segmented appendages at the posterior end of various arthropods
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

cercus cer·cus (sûr'kəs)
n. pl. cer·ci (sûr'sī, -kī)

  1. A stiff hairlike structure.

  2. Either of a pair of terminal, dorsolateral sensory appendages of certain insects, such as the female mosquito.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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