Clava

/ˈklɑːvə/ noun

Definition

In biology and entomology, a club-shaped structure or enlargement at the end of an organ, especially the tip of an insect's antenna.

Etymology

From Latin clava (club). Applied scientifically to describe any anatomical structure resembling a club or cudgel in shape.

Kelly Says

When entomologists discovered that butterfly and beetle antennae have club-shaped tips, they borrowed the Latin word for 'club'—because nature's engineering looked exactly like a medieval weapon.

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