epipharynx
nounUK /ˌɛpɪˈfærɪŋks/
US /ˌɛpɪˈfærɪŋks/
A tiny body part in the mouth of some insects that helps them taste and swallow food.
The scientist looked closely at the epipharynx of the beetle to see how it eats.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A small flap or membrane on the inside of an insect's upper mouth.
The epipharynx helps the grasshopper guide food into its mouth.
3. A part of the throat area in some animals, located above the pharynx.
In the anatomy lesson, the teacher pointed to the epipharynx above the throat.
4. A delicate inner lining of the mouth in certain small creatures.
The microscope showed the epipharynx clearly on the slide.