tentacle
UK/'tentәkl/US
IELTSTOEFLC2
Definitions
n.
A long, flexible limb of an animal such as an octopus or jellyfish, used to feel, grasp, or move
触手，触须（章鱼、水母等的）
n.
A far-reaching and often harmful influence or branch of an organization
（比喻）势力范围；魔爪
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin tentāculum, a 'feeler' — built on tentāre in its oldest, most literal sense: to feel and touch. A tentacle is the organ a sea creature uses to probe its world. The figurative 'tentacles of power' pictures an organization reaching feelers into every corner, just as an octopus probes its surroundings. Note: this word preserves the original 'touch' meaning, not the 'lure' one.
Root tempt still carries 6 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.extend its tentacles伸展触手
- 2.tentacles of power权力的魔爪
- 3.wrap its tentacles around用触手缠住
- 4.writhing tentacles蠕动的触须
Example Sentences
- 1.
The octopus wrapped its tentacles around the crab.
- 2.
The cartel extended its tentacles into local politics.
- 3.
A jellyfish can sting you with its long tentacles.