Definition of "tentacle" in English

noun

1. (zoology) An elongated, boneless, flexible organ or limb of some animals, such as the octopus and squid.

   • 1897, H. G. Wells, The Crystal Egg The body was small, but fitted with two bunches of prehensile organs, like long tentacles, immediately under the mouth.
   • 1936, H. P. Lovecraft, The Shadow Out of Time Surmounting this head were four slender grey stalks bearing flower-like appendages, whilst from its nether side dangled eight greenish antennae or tentacles.

2. (botany) One of the glandular hairs on the leaves of certain insectivorous plants.

3. (figurative) An insidious reach or influence.

   • the tentacles of the criminal underworld

4. (figurative) Something like a zoological limb.

5. (UK, military, historical) An officer employed to drive out to troops and transmit back requests for support via a special radio link.

verb

1. to move like a tentacle