tentacle

Definition

An elongated, boneless, flexible organ or limb of some animals, such as the octopus and squid.

Etymology

From New Latin tentāculum, from tentō. Doublet of tentaculum.

Example Sentences

• "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."