1. small adhesive pads on the feet of insects that help them cling to surfaces
Usage: entomology; plural form

Examples

• The fly’s pulvilli allowed it to walk upside down on the ceiling.
• Researchers studied the pulvilli of beetles to understand their climbing abilities.
• The pulvilli on the insect’s tarsi were covered in tiny hairs.
• Without functional pulvilli, the spider would struggle to grip smooth surfaces.
• The microscopic structure of pulvilli inspired new adhesive technologies.