Definition of palp in English:
palp
(also palpus)
nounPlural palpi, Plural palps palppælp
Zoology Each of a pair of elongated segmented appendages near the mouth of an arthropod, usually concerned with the senses of touch and taste.
Example sentencesExamples
- The apex of the maxillary palpus expands ventrally into a flexible pad.
- For the labial palpus and maxillary palpus we found, in general, a lower level in the amphigonic females.
- The courtship behavior of these males begins with circular rotations of the palpi (modified appendages beside the face).
Derivatives
adjective -pəl
Zoology In successful matings, the time of the first palpal insertion and which palp was inserted were noted.
Example sentencesExamples
- Males were allowed only one palpal insertion with each mate as males are functionally sterile after each palp is used once, but sufficient sperm is transferred in a single copulation to fertilize all of the female's eggs.
- The sperm is then absorbed with the palpal organ, where it is stored until mating.
- And if you're more interested in how arachnids do it with palpal specializations than molluscan harpoons, I've got an article on how spiders mate.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Latin palpus, from palpare 'to feel'.