Antennules

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Small, paired sensory organs located on specific crustaceans that help detect chemical and physical stimuli in their environment
2. These diminutive appendages, often found in aquatic species, are essential for sensory perception and navigation in their habitat
3. Tiny paired organs on certain crustaceans that serve to sense chemical and tactile changes around them

Etymology: "Antennules" is the plural of "antennule", a word for the small, paired sensory appendages found on certain crustaceans. It is built from "antenna" plus the diminutive suffix "-ule", which came into English from French and carries the sense of "little". Put together, the word means a little antenna, which is an apt description of organs that are smaller and often positioned in front of the larger antennae on the same body.