osmeterium

noun os·me·te·ri·um \ˌäz-mə-ˈtir-ē-əm\

plural os·me·te·ria\-ē-ə\

Definition of OSMETERIUM

: a protrusible glandular process of swallowtail larvae that emits a disagreeable odor for defensive purposes

New Latin, irregular from Greek osmē odor

First Known Use: 1816

Next Word in the Dictionary: OsmiaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: osmesisAll Words Near: osmeterium

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