Tentacle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈtÉ›ntÉ™kÉ™l/, /ˈtÉ›ntɨkÉ™l/

Origin

From New Latin tentaculum, from tentō.

Full definition of tentacle

Noun

1. An elongated, boneless, flexible organ or limb of some animals, such as the octopus and squid.
• 1873, , 20,000 Leagues Under the SeaWith one blow of the axe, Captain Nemo cut this formidable tentacle, that slid wriggling down the ladder.
• 1897, , The body was small, but fitted with two bunches of prehensile organs, like long tentacles, immediately under the mouth.
• 1936, , Surmounting this head were four slender grey stalks bearing flower-like appendages, whilst from its nether side dangled eight greenish antennae or tentacles.

Derived terms

• tentacular