Cercal
/ˈsɜːrkəl/noun
Relating to a cercus, a tail-like appendage found in certain arthropods.
Did you know?The biological term cercus comes from Greek kerkos, meaning “tail,” a root also preserved in scientific names for tailed animals and tail-like larvae.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κέρκος (kerkos)
“Tail; a tail-like appendage”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
κερκίς (kerkis)
“A tail or tail-like structure; a related zoological form”
18th Century
New Latin
cercus
“A tail-like appendage, especially one on an insect or other arthropod”
19th Century
New Latin
cercalis
“Relating to a cercus”
19th Century
English
cercal
“Relating to a cercus or cerci”
Modern English
English
cercal
“Pertaining to tail-like arthropod appendages”
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