Definition of hectocotylus in English:

nounhectocotyli

• A modified arm used by male octopuses and some other cephalopods to transfer sperm to the female.

  More example sentences

  • ‘In some species, the specialized arm tip may be pinched off and left in the female's mantle cavity: this is known as the hectocotylus arm.’
  • ‘The hectocotylus is used to deliver the spermatophores (sperm-filled sacs) to the female during mating.’
  • ‘In some cephalopods, the end of the hectocotylus snaps off and remains imbedded in the female.’