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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.
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.
 
 
 
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