First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
spiracle
noun spi·ra·cle \ˈspir-i-kəl, ˈspī-ri-\
Definition of SPIRACLE
1
: a breathing hole : vent
2
: a breathing orifice: as a : blowhole 2 b : an external tracheal aperture of a terrestrial arthropod that in an insect is usually one of a series of small apertures located along each side of the thorax and abdomen — see insect illustration
— spi·rac·u·lar \spə-ˈra-kyə-lər, spī-\ adjective
See spiracle defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPIRACLE
Middle English, from Latin spiraculum, from spirare to breathe
SPIRACLE Defined for Kids
spiracle
noun spi·ra·cle \ˈspir-ə-kəl\
Definition of SPIRACLE for Kids
: an opening on the body (as of an insect) used for breathing
Learn More About SPIRACLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: spiraculumPrevious Word in the Dictionary: spirableAll Words Near: spiracle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spiracle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).