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ampulla

noun am·pul·la \ am-ˈpu̇-lə , ˈam-ˌpyü-lə \

Definition of ampulla

plural ampullae play \-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\
1 : a glass or earthenware flask with a globular body and two handles used especially by the ancient Romans to hold ointment, perfume, or wine
2 : a saccular anatomical swelling or pouch
—

ampullary

play \am-ˈpu̇-lər-ē, ˈam-pyə-ˌler-ē\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of ampulla

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin, diminutive of amphora

Medical Dictionary

ampulla

noun am·pul·la \ am-ˈpu̇-lə , ˈam-ˌpyü-lə \

medical Definition of ampulla

plural ampullae play \-ˌlē\
: a saccular anatomic swelling or pouch: as
a : the dilatation containing a patch of sensory epithelium at one end of each semicircular canal of the ear
b : one of the dilatations of the lactiferous tubules of the mammary glands that serve as reservoirs for milk
c (1) : the middle portion of the fallopian tube
(2) : the distal dilatation of a vas deferens near the opening of the duct leading from the seminal vesicle
d : a terminal dilatation of the rectum just before it joins the anal canal

Learn More about ampulla

  1. See words that rhyme with ampulla Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ampulla

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