sensillum

noun

sen·​sil·​lum sen-ˈsi-ləm How to pronounce sensillum (audio)
variants or less commonly sensilla
sen-ˈsi-lə How to pronounce sensillum (audio)
plural sensilla sen-ˈsi-lə How to pronounce sensillum (audio) also sensillae sen-ˈsi-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce sensillum (audio)
: a simple epithelial sense organ of an invertebrate (such as an insect) usually in the form of a spine, plate, rod, cone, or peg that is composed of one or a few cells with a nerve connection

Word History

Etymology

New Latin sensillum, diminutive of Medieval Latin sensus sense organ, from Latin, sense

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensillum was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near sensillum

sensile

sensillum

sensimotor

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sensillum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensillum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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