tentacle

From New Latin tentaculum, from tentō.

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɛntəkəl/, /ˈtɛntɨkəl/

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tentacle (plural tentacles)

1. An elongated, boneless, flexible organ or limb of some animals, such as the octopus and squid.
   • 1873, Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

     With one blow of the axe, Captain Nemo cut this formidable tentacle, that slid wriggling down the ladder.

   • 1897, H. G. Wells, The Crystal Egg

     The body was small, but fitted with two bunches of prehensile organs, like long tentacles, immediately under the mouth.

   • 1936, H. P. Lovecraft, The Shadow Out of Time

     Surmounting this head were four slender grey stalks bearing flower-like appendages, whilst from its nether side dangled eight greenish antennae or tentacles.

• tentacular

• ectental, electant

• (Balearic, Central) IPA^(key): /tənˈta.klə/
• (Valencian) IPA^(key): /tenˈta.kle/

tentacle m (plural tentacles)

1. tentacle