columella

English

noun
Definitions
  • (biology) Any of various small structures in plants or animals that are columnar in shape.
  • (anatomy) The skin at the end of the septum which separates the nostrils.
  • (comparative anatomy) In birds, reptiles, and amphibians, the small bone which carries vibration from the tympanum to the inner ear.
  • (malacology) In gastropods, the structure at the center of the whorls of the shell.
  • (coral science) The structure at the center of the calyx where the septa join together.
  • (mycology) The central sterile portion of the sporangium in various fungi.
  • (palynology) A rod-shaped reinforcing element of the sexine layer of a pollen grain.

Etymology

Derived from Latin columella (small column).

Origin

Latin

columella

Gloss

small column

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms