ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ləm noun
( plural gubernacu·la -lə)
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, rudder, from gubernare to steer + -culum -cle — more at govern
: a part or structure that serves as a guide: as
a. : a fibrous cord that connects the fetal testis with the bottom of the scrotum and by failing to elongate commensurately with the rest of the fetus causes the descent of the testis
b. : a posterior flagellum of certain protozoans
c. : a sclerotized accessory structure associated with the copulatory spicules of various nematode worms