Tentacle

/ˈtɛntəkl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A long, flexible appendage found in some animals, such as octopuses and certain jellyfish, used for grasping or feeling.

The octopus extended its tentacle to reach the food at the bottom of the tank.

A slender, flexible limb or appendage in invertebrates, especially used for sensation or manipulation.

The anemone's tentacles swayed gently in the water, waiting for prey to pass by.

Anything that is similar to a tentacle in form or function, particularly something that extends into an area to make contact or influence.

The corporation extended its tentacles into the renewable energy sector.

In a metaphorical sense, a reach or influence extending into various areas.

The artist's influence has tentacles reaching into both music and visual arts.

Latin tentaculum, from tentare, meaning 'to feel or touch'.

reach out like a tentacle

To extend one's influence or control broadly in a subtle way.

tentacles of government

Referring to the various reach or influence of governmental powers.

sucker

A small, soft, usually circular part that can adhere to surfaces, often found on the ends of tentacles in animals like octopuses.

appendage

A body part that is attached to a larger structure, similar to a tentacle.

Used to describe something that reaches out or grips strongly.

His tentacle-like grip on the market is impressive.

Referring to something complicated or tangled in a situation, like a tentacle.

The laws have tentacle-like complexities that are hard to navigate.