telson: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “telson” mean?
The final, often spike-bearing segment of the abdomen in crustaceans (like lobsters or crayfish) and some other arthropods.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The final, often spike-bearing segment of the abdomen in crustaceans (like lobsters or crayfish) and some other arthropods.
In some arthropods, the posterior, non-segmented section of the body, bearing the anus. In scorpions, it refers specifically to the venomous sting segment at the end of the tail.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No known lexical or definitional differences. The term is standardized in global scientific literature.
Connotations
None; purely anatomical/technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, used almost exclusively within specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “telson” in a Sentence
The [noun]'s telsonthe telson of the [noun][verb] with its telsonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telson” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The specimen is telsonated (rare/constructed).
- N/A
American English
- The specimen is telsonate (rare/constructed).
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, marine biology, and paleontology papers and textbooks. Example: 'The fossil's preserved telson allows for classification within the suborder.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise anatomical term in arthropod morphology and taxonomy. Example: 'Measurements were taken from the tip of the rostrum to the posterior margin of the telson.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “telson”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “telson”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telson”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtiːlsən/ (like 'teal').
- Using it to refer to any tail, rather than the specific arthropod anatomy.
- Confusing it with 'tarsus' or 'cheliped'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in zoology and related sciences.
No. While both are stingers, 'telson' is specific to the anatomy of scorpions and some other arthropods like crustaceans, not insects like bees.
In crustaceans like crayfish, the telson is the central, often spade-shaped or spiked terminal segment. The uropods are the paired, flattened appendages (like paddles) attached to the sides of the telson, forming the tail fan.
No. It is a feature of certain groups, primarily crustaceans, merostomes (like horseshoe crabs), and chelicerates (like scorpions). Insects, for example, do not have a structure called a telson.
The final, often spike-bearing segment of the abdomen in crustaceans (like lobsters or crayfish) and some other arthropods.
Telson is usually technical, scientific in register.
Telson: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛls(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛlsən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Telson = Tail-end segment. It sounds a bit like "tail-son" – the son (part) at the tail.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common usage.
Practice
Quiz
In which animal is a 'telson' most accurately described?