noun
- A small, pointed projection or lobe on the ventral surface of the head of certain arthropods, such as arachnids and crustaceans, located between the chelicerae or mandibles.
Usage: zoology; technical term
Examples
- The hypostome of the tick helps it attach to the host's skin.
- Arachnologists examine the hypostome to classify spider species.
- The hypostome is a key anatomical feature in crustacean identification.
- Under the microscope, the hypostome appeared as a small, tooth-like structure.