Definition

A special tube-like part of some female insects that they use to lay eggs.

Example

The female wasp used her ovipositor to lay eggs in the plant.

Conversation

Did you know that some insects have a special tool called an ovipositor?

Really? What does it do exactly?

It's used by females to lay their eggs in a safe place.

That's fascinating! Nature has some clever designs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ovipositor is formed from "ovi-" (from Latin "ovum", meaning egg) and "-positor" (from Latin "ponere", meaning to place). The word describes a structure that places or deposits eggs.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('ovi-') being 'placed' ('-positor') — that's why an ovipositor is a tool for laying eggs.

Visually Confused Words