Aeropile

Pronunciation
/air-oh-PILE/
Category
Entomology
Singular
Aeropile
Plural
Aeropiles

Definition

A structure or space in the body of certain silk-producing insects used for spinning silk or releasing gases.

Etymology

From Greek 'aer' meaning 'air' and 'pile' meaning 'column' or 'pillar'.

Example

The aeropile in silkworms helps in the efficient spinning of silk threads.

Related Terms

  • Silk production
  • Insect physiology
  • Gaseous exchange