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cercus Definition

cer·cus (sʉr′kəs)

noun pl. cer′ci′-sī′

either of a pair of usually jointed, feelerlike appendages at the hind end of the abdomen of many insects

Etymology: ModL < Gr kerkos, tail

cercus Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • long: Female ( illustrated ) has a long, needle-like ovipositor protruding from the tip of the abdomen between the long cerci.