telson
/ˈtɛlsən/
noun
- The last segment or tail part of the body in certain arthropods, such as scorpions, lobsters, and horseshoe crabs, often bearing a stinger or tail spine.
- The scorpion's telson contains venom glands and a sharp stinger.
- A lobster uses its telson to swim backward quickly when threatened.
- The horseshoe crab's telson helps it flip over if it lands on its back.
Synonyms