Epigyne

/ˈɛpɪdʒaɪn/ noun

Definition

In female spiders, a specialized structure located beneath the abdomen that receives sperm during mating.

Etymology

From epi- (upon) + gyne (female); the term was coined by arachnologists to describe this reproductive organ's location and function in spiders.

Kelly Says

Spider epigines are incredibly diverse—taxonomists can identify spider species just by looking at the female's epigyne shape, like a fingerprint under a microscope!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.