Found 2 items, similar to spiracle.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: spiracle spiracle n : a breathing orifice
English → English (gcide) Definition: Spiracle Spiracle \Spir"a*cle\, n.[L. spiraculum, fr. spirare to breathe: cf. F. spiracule. See Spirit.] 1. (Anat.) The nostril, or one of the nostrils, of whales, porpoises, and allied animals. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zo["o]l.) (a) One of the external openings communicating with the air tubes or trache[ae] of insects, myriapods, and arachnids. They are variable in number, and are usually situated on the sides of the thorax and abdomen, a pair to a segment. These openings are usually elliptical, and capable of being closed. See Illust. under Coleoptera. (a) A tubular orifice communicating with the gill cavity of certain ganoid and all elasmobranch fishes. It is the modified first gill cleft. [1913 Webster] 3. Any small aperture or vent for air or other fluid. [1913 Webster]