uncini
/ʌnˈsaɪnaɪ/
noun
- Small, hook-shaped structures or appendages, especially in biology (e.g., on the tentacles of some worms or the feet of some insects).
- The marine worm uses its uncini to anchor itself in the sand.
- Under the microscope, the uncini on the insect's leg looked like tiny hooks.
- Scientists studied the uncini of the bristle worm to understand how it moves.
Synonyms