noun
- plural of palp; sensory appendages found near the mouth of various invertebrates, especially insects and spiders
Usage: biology; zoology
Examples
- The spider used its palps to examine the prey caught in its web.
- Entomologists study the palps of insects to help with species identification.
- The beetle’s palps were clearly visible under the microscope.
- Male spiders often have enlarged palps used for reproduction.
- The researcher carefully observed the movement of the ant’s palps.
- Palps help arthropods taste and smell their environment.