Stylet
- Pronunciation
- /STAI-lət/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Stylet
- Plural
- Stylets
Definition
A slender, needle-like mouthpart used by some insects to pierce plant tissues and feed.
Etymology
From Latin 'stylus', meaning 'a pointed instrument'.
Example
The aphids use their stylets to pierce the plant's epidermis and tap into its vascular system.