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ocellus

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /oʊˈsɛləs/

KK: /oʊˈsɛləs/

noun
Definition

A small eye-like spot or marking, often resembling an eye, found on the feathers of birds or the wings of some insects.


Example

The peacock's tail is adorned with beautiful ocelli that attract potential mates.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever noticed the beautiful ocellus on that butterfly's wings?
Sloth B
Yeah, it makes them look so striking and colorful!
Sloth A
I read that the ocellus can help distract predators.
Sloth B
That makes sense — it's like nature's way of being clever!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
eyespot
marking
pupil
Antonyms
blindness
darkness
obscurity
Root Explanation

**Ocellus** → It is derived from the Latin word "ocellus" (meaning little eye), which is a diminutive form of "oculus" (meaning eye). The term refers to a small eye or a spot resembling an eye, often used in biological contexts to describe certain markings or structures.

Memory Tip

Think of 'little eye' in Latin — 'ocellus' refers to something that looks like a small eye, helping you remember its meaning.

Visually Confused Words
locellus
procellous
nucellus
citellus
camellus
ascellus
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