spiracle noun. ['spʌɪrǝk(ǝ)l] Also (in senses 2, 3) in Latin form spiraculum [spʌɪ'rakjʊlǝm], pl. -la [-lǝ]. LME.
[Latin spiraculum, from spirare breathe.]
1. Breath, spirit. LME-M17.
2. A small opening allowing air, light, etc., into or smoke, volcanic matter, etc., out of a confined space; a vent-hole. Now rare. LME.
3. a. A pore of the skin. rare. M17.
b. A stoma in the epidermis of a plant. rare. L18.
c. Zoology. An aperture, orifice, or pore in an animal by which air or water can circulate for respiration; esp.: (a) a pore leading into the tracheae of an insect; (b) a rounded opening in front of the gills in various (esp. cartilaginous) fishes; (c) the blow-hole of a whale, dolphin, etc. L18.

■ spiracular [spʌɪ'rakjʊlǝ] adjective (Zoology) of, pertaining to, or serving as a spiracle or spiracles M19.

■ spiraculate [spʌɪ'rakjʊleɪt] adjective (Zoology) possessing a spiracle or spiracles E20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲