Definition

A part of the mouth of an insect or other arthropod that is adapted for feeding or gathering food.

Example

The butterfly uses its mouthparts to sip nectar from flowers.

Conversation

Did you know that insects have different types of mouthparts for feeding?

Really? I had no idea they were so specialized.

Yeah, some are designed for sucking while others are for chewing.

That's fascinating! Nature is so clever with all these adaptations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mouthpart → It is formed from "mouth" (from Old English *muð*, meaning the opening through which food is taken) and "part" (from Latin *partem*, meaning a piece or division). The word "mouthpart" refers to a part or component of the mouth.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'opening' ('mouth') where food enters and a 'piece' ('part') of that opening — that's why 'mouthpart' refers to a component of the mouth.

Visually Confused Words