French word

tentacule

Pronunciation

IPA/tɑ̃takyl/

Meaning

  • masculine nountentacle

Example

La méduse a de longs tentacules.

The jellyfish has long tentacles.

Illustration for tentacule (tentacle)

More examples

Le chef a nettoyé les tentacules du calmar pour la cuisson.

The chef cleaned the squid's tentacles for cooking.

Core concept

A long, flexible feeler that reaches out to sense or grasp, and can suggest an extended reach of power.

Common phrases

  • les tentacules du calmar

    squid tentacles

  • les tentacules du poulpe

    octopus tentacles

Similar words

antenne: A slender sensory organ that receives information from the surrounding environment.
appendice: A small projecting body part attached to a larger structure and serving a specific function.
organe: A body structure or tissue that performs a particular function.

Definition in French

Organe allongé et souple, présent chez certains animaux comme les méduses ou les pieuvres, servant à toucher, saisir ou détecter l'environnement; s'emploie aussi au figuré pour désigner une extension d'influence.

Word origin

French tentacule comes from Latin tentaculum, meaning a feeler, which was formed from tentare, meaning to touch or probe.

Usage tips

  • Tentacule is masculine, so the usual singular form is le tentacule and the plural is les tentacules.

Word lists with this word