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spiracle

noun [C]
 
 
/ˈspaɪ.rə.kəl/ specialized

Definition

in an insect or spider, one of the small holes that allow air in and out through the surface of the bodyThe respiratory system in some fish such as sharks, a small hole behind each eye used for breathing, by allowing water through to the gillsThe respiratory system
(Definition of spiracle noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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