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hectocotylus

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hec·to·cot·y·lus  (hkt-ktl-s)
n. pl. hec·to·cot·y·li (-ktl-)
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.
[New Latin : hecto- + Greek kotul, small cup.]
hectocotylus [ˌhɛktəʊˈkɒtɪləs]
n pl -li [-ˌlaɪ]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a tentacle in certain male cephalopod molluscs, such as the octopus, that is specialized for transferring spermatozoa to the female
[New Latin, from hecto- + Greek kotulē cup]
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When he arrived at Hatfield he had yet to develop his hectocotylus, a modified tentacle that male octopuses use to deliver sperm to their mates.
Octopus adieu by The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)
Whatever the target's gender, a male octopus placed its specialized sperm-transfer appendage, the hectocotylus, into the main body cavity of the other octopus.
Excuse me, dear, which octopus are you? by S.M. / Science News
 
 
 
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