Spiracle

Pronunciation: /ˈspaɪrəkəl/

Definitions of spiracle

noun a small opening on the surface of an organism, especially in an insect or aquatic animal, through which air is taken in or expelled

Example Sentences

A1 Fish breathe through small openings called spiracles.

A2 Insects use spiracles to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

B1 The spiracle on a shark's body helps regulate its buoyancy.

B2 Some amphibians have spiracles that allow them to breathe both underwater and on land.

C1 Scientists study the function of spiracles in various species to understand their respiratory systems better.

C2 The intricate design of spiracles in insects showcases the evolution of respiratory adaptations over time.

Examples of spiracle in a Sentence

formal The spiracle is a small opening on the surface of an insect's body used for breathing.

informal I learned that insects breathe through tiny holes called spiracles.

slang Check out the spiracle on that bug, it's so small!

figurative Her eyes were like spiracles, always watching and observing everything around her.

Grammatical Forms of spiracle

• past tense: spiracled
• plural: spiracles
• comparative: more spiracle
• superlative: most spiracle
• present tense: spiracles
• future tense: will spiracle
• perfect tense: have spiracled
• continuous tense: is spiracling
• singular: spiracle
• positive degree: spiracle
• infinitive: to spiracle
• gerund: spiracling
• participle: spiracled

Origin and Evolution of spiracle

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'spiracle' originated from the Latin word 'spiraculum', which means a breathing hole or opening.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in reference to a breathing hole or opening in animals, the word 'spiracle' has evolved to also refer to an opening for air or water to pass through, such as in certain insects or aquatic organisms.