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Definition of ptilinum in English:

ptilinum

Pronunciation /tɪˈlʌɪnəm/

noun

Entomology

  • A structure on the head of cyclorrhaphous dipteran flies which can be inflated (especially to rupture the puparium) and later atrophies, leaving a suture.

Origin

Mid 19th century. From scientific Latin ptilinum from French ptiline, apparently arbitrarily from ancient Greek πτίλον soft feather, down, plume.