Cerci
/ˈsɜːr.saɪ/noun
Paired appendages at the rear of many insects and other arthropods, often serving sensory or defensive functions.
Did you know?The term comes from Greek kérkos, “tail,” and is also reflected in scientific names for tailed animals and larval forms.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kerkos
“Tail; a tail-like appendage”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κέρκος (kérkos)
“Tail”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κερκίς (kerkís)
“A tail-like projection or appendage; a related zoological formation”
18th Century
New Latin
cercus
“A zoological tail-like appendage”
19th Century
Scientific English
cerci
“Plural of cercus: paired posterior appendages of arthropods”
Modern English
English
cerci
“Rear appendages, especially the sensory structures found on insects”
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