tentacle

UK: ˈtɛntək(ə)l | US: ˈtɛntəkəl

Definition

  1. n. a slender, flexible limb or appendage in animals, used for grasping or sensing (e.g., octopus tentacles)

  2. n. (figurative) an insidious influence or controlling reach (e.g., "the tentacles of bureaucracy")

Structure
tent <feel/stretch>acle <noun suffix>tent <feel/stretch>acle <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "tentacle" traces back to Latin tentaculum, meaning "feeler," from tentare ("to probe"). It originally described tactile appendages in animals like squids, later metaphorically extending to abstract "grasping" influences. The morpheme tent- reflects probing/stretching, while -acle nominalizes the concept.

Examples

  1. The octopus wrapped its tentacles around the coral.

  2. Scientists study jellyfish tentacles to understand venom delivery.

  3. Corruption spread its tentacles into every level of government.

  4. The robot’s grippers mimicked the flexibility of organic tentacles.

  5. He felt the tentacles of anxiety tightening around his thoughts.