Physogastry

Pronunciation
/fiz-GAS-tree/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Physogastry
Plural
Physogastries

Definition

A term referring to the condition of having a distended abdomen, often observed in certain insects and arachnids, notably termites and some spiders, usually associated with reproductive roles or storage of nutrients.

Etymology

Example

The physogastry of the termite queen enables her to lay thousands of eggs daily.

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