ostiole

noun

os·​ti·​ole ˈä-stē-ˌōl How to pronounce ostiole (audio)
: a small bodily aperture, orifice, or pore

Examples of ostiole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As its spores ripen, the puffball’s outer skin, or cuticle, develops one or two small holes called ostioles through which millions of dry spores escape at the smallest disturbance. Dave Taft, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ostiole.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ostiolum, from Latin, diminutive of ostium

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ostiole was in 1721

Dictionary Entries Near ostiole

Cite this Entry

“Ostiole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ostiole. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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