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hectocotylus

The definition of a hectocotylus is a specific arm of a cephalopod that transfers sperm to the female.

(noun)

An example of hectocotylus is what a male octopus uses to get a female octopus pregnant.

See hectocotylus in Webster's New World College Dictionary

a specific arm of a male octopus, cuttlefish, or other cephalopod, which becomes modified at sexual maturity so that it can transfer sperm to the female

Origin: ModL < hecto- + Gr kotylē, a hollow, cavity

See hectocotylus in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. hec·to·cot·y·li (-kŏtˈl-īˌ)

A modified arm of the male of certain cephalopods, such as the octopus, functioning as a reproductive organ in the transference of sperm to the mantle cavity of the female.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin

Origin: : hecto-

Origin: + Greek kotulē, small cup

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