spiracle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spiracle” mean?
A small external opening for breathing, found in some animals like insects, sharks, and rays.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small external opening for breathing, found in some animals like insects, sharks, and rays.
Any small aperture or vent for the passage of air or fluid; in botany, a stoma; in industrial contexts, a small air vent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Usage is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to biological/technical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “spiracle” in a Sentence
The [animal] breathes through its spiracles.The [animal] has a spiracle located [prepositional phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spiracle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The spiracular plate was clearly visible under the microscope.
- They studied the spiracular mechanism.
American English
- The spiracular plate was clearly visible under the microscope.
- They examined the spiracular valves.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and paleontology texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used when discussing specific animal anatomy.
Technical
Used in specific biological descriptions and some engineering contexts for vents.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spiracle”
- Mispronouncing as /spɪˈrækəl/ (like 'miracle'). Correct first syllable is 'spy'.
- Using it as a general term for any hole, rather than specifically for respiration.
- Confusing it with a 'gill' – a spiracle is an opening that may lead to gills or tracheae.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Nostrils (nares) are primarily for smelling and are part of the olfactory system. Spiracles are primarily for the intake of water or air directly for respiration.
Most insects have a system of spiracles along their bodies, which connect to internal tracheal tubes for breathing.
No, 'spiracle' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'spiracular'.
For general English, no. It is a specialized biological term. You will only encounter it in specific scientific contexts.
A small external opening for breathing, found in some animals like insects, sharks, and rays.
Spiracle is usually technical/scientific in register.
Spiracle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪ.rə.kəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪ.rə.kəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SPIracle' as a 'SPIral' or 'SPIder' hole for breathing. Spiders and insects have them.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOOR or WINDOW for air (e.g., 'The spiracle is a shark's window for drawing in water.')
Practice
Quiz
In which of these animals would you most likely find a spiracle?