Meanings
plural hectocotyli
- biologyA modified arm of any of several male cephalopods that functions as a reproductive organ by transferring sperm to the mantle of the female.First known use 19th c.
The hectocotylus, like many other genitals, is made of soft tissues which are unlikely to be fossilised.
2018 January 24, Elsa Panciroli, The Guardian1 more example
When not in use, the male's hectocotylus hides in a pouch, leaving him to go about his business with only seven arms.
2017, Danna Staaf, Squid Empire, ForeEdge, →ISBN, page 170
Origin
- Ancient Greekκότυλος“small cup”
- Englishhectocotylus
From New Latin, corresponding to hecto- + Ancient Greek κότυλος (kótulos, “small cup”).
More words from Ancient Greek
Full word history & related roots →Translations
Russian гектокоти́ль
- гектокоти́ль (gektokotílʹ)cephalopod limb and organ
Cite this entry
hectocotylus. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hectocotylus
“hectocotylus.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hectocotylus. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “hectocotylus,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/hectocotylus.
Source: hectocotylus on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.