Petiole

Pronunciation
/PEH-tee-ohl/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Petiole
Plural
Petioles

Definition

The narrow waist-like structure connecting the thorax and abdomen in some insects, particularly hymenopterans (e.g., ants, wasps).

Etymology

From Latin 'petiolus', meaning 'small stalk'.

Example

The petiole of the wasp is slender and contributes to its agility.

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