n. One of a pair of elongated, often segmented appendages usually found near the mouth in invertebrate organisms such as mollusks, crustaceans, and insects, the functions of which include sensation, locomotion, and feeding. Also called palpus. [French palpe, from New Latin palpus, from Latin, a touching; see pāl- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] palpal (pălpəl) adj. |
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