Meanings
- biologyAn arched structure that is a principal feature of the male genitalia of some insects.
1988, Neuroptera International, Volume 5 - Volume 7, Issue 2, page 60, Its shape is related to the structure of the gonarcus-parameres complex and of the coaptation structures which exist between this complex and the subgenital plate.
2 more examples
The gonarcus (fig. 5) is situated internally between the anal segment and the ninth sternite.
1961, Agricultural Experiment Station, Bulletin A, page 49Defining features of the Neuroptera include the association of the ninth gonocoxites with the gonarcus and the peculiar sucking-mandibulate mouthparts of the larvae (U. Aspock et al., 2001).
2005, David Grimaldi, Evolution of the Insects, page 341
Origin
- Latinarcus“arc, bow”
- Englishgonarcus
From gon- + Latin arcus (“arc, bow”).
More words from Latin
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
gonarcus. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/gonarcus
“gonarcus.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/gonarcus. Accessed November 3, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “gonarcus,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/gonarcus.
Source: gonarcus on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.