trophothylax

noun

troph·​o·​thy·​lax
-ˈthīˌlaks
plural -es
: a depression or pocket on the underside of the body behind the mouth in various ant larvae in which food is placed by the attendant worker ants

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from troph- + Greek thylax pouch, sack

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trophothylax was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Trophothylax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trophothylax. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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