cercus

noun

cer·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

plural cerci ˈsər-ˌsī 

-ˌkī

: either of a pair of simple or segmented appendages at the posterior end of various arthropods that usually act as sensory organs

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek kerkos

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cercus

noun

cer·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

plural cerci ˈsər-ˌsī 

: a thin many-jointed part of an insect that sticks out from the hind end of its body

Medical Definition

cercus

noun

cer·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

plural cerci ˈsər-ˌsī, -ˌkī 

: either of a pair of simple or segmented appendages at the posterior end of various arthropods