hectocotylus

English

Etymology

Modern Latin, corresponding to hecto- +‎ Ancient Greek κοτύλη (kotúlē, “small cup”).

Noun

hectocotylus (plural hectocotyli)

  1. (zoology) A modified arm of any of several male cephalopods that functions as a reproductive organ by transfering sperm to the mantle of the female. [from 19th c.]
    • 2018, Elsa Panciroli, The Guardian, 24 January:
      The hectocotylus, like many other genitals, is made of soft tissues which are unlikely to be fossilised.
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