‖ trophi, n. pl. Zool.
(ˈtrəʊfaɪ)
[mod.L., pl. of trophus, a. Gr. τροϕός feeder, f. τρίϕειν to nourish.]
A collective name for the mouth-parts in insects, as organs for seizing and preparing the food. Also applied to the parts of the pharynx in rotifers, having a similar function.
| 1826 Kirby & Sp. Entomol. xxxiii. III. 355 Trophi, the different instruments or organs contained in the mouth, or closing it, and employed in manducation or deglutition. They include the Labrum, Labium, Mandibulæ, Maxillæ, Lingua, and Pharynx. 1833 Lyell Princ. Geol. III. 277 The antennæ, tarsi and trophi are generally very obscure or distorted. 1888 Rolleston & Jackson Anim. Life 633 Class Rotifera... The mouth leads into an oesophagus, followed..usually directly by a muscular pharynx or mastax containing the chitinous jaw-apparatus or ‘trophi’... The shape of the ‘trophi’ is variable. |