spiracle

A pore or opening used (especially by arthropods and some fish) for respiration.

Noun

  1. A pore or opening used (especially by arthropods and some fish) for respiration.
  2. The blowhole of a whale, dolphin or other similar species.
  3. Any small aperture or vent for air or other fluid.

Origin

From Latin spiraculum, from spirare (“to breathe”).

Forms

spiracles

Related

respiration respire spiracular spiraculum

Derived

spiraculiferous spiraculiform ultraspiracle