axilla

noun

ax·​il·​la ag-ˈzi-lə How to pronounce axilla (audio) ak-ˈsi- How to pronounce axilla (audio)
plural axillae ag-ˈzi-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce axilla (audio)
-ˌlī
or axillas
: the cavity beneath the junction of a forelimb and the body
especially : armpit

Examples of axilla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Your axilla is basically your armpit. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2021 The odor from the axilla corresponding to the dominant side (left) was rated more masculine and more intense than the other side (right). Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2010 The odor samples were collected from the axilla of male donors not involved in the main experiment. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2017 For this reason, Dr. Green suggests patients repeat the Botox axilla treatment every six months to maintain the effects. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2022 The vaccine may enlarge the lymph nodes in the axilla, or armpit, according to Parkinson. Becky Jacobs, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Dec. 2021 In one woman, the swelling would be seen only in the left axilla. Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2021 After all, the vaccine is supposed to elicit an immune response and typically injected into your upper arm, which is close to your axilla. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'axilla.' 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

borrowed from Latin, diminutive of āla "armpit, upper arm, wing, axil" (axilla < *aksl̥-lā < *aksl-elā < *aksl- + *-el-, diminutive suffix) — more at ala

Note: Latin axilla is marginally attested in classical Latin, in a remark made by Cicero on its relation to āla ("fuga litterae vastioris" - "by the loss of an unwieldy letter"; Orator 153) and in a Greek glossary of Latin words. The usual Late Latin form is a metathesized ascilla or ascella, taken to mean "armpit," the sense "wing" being restricted to āla; from ascella descend Romance forms as Italian ascella "armpit," French aisselle.

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of axilla was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near axilla

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

axilla

noun
ax·​il·​la ag-ˈzil-ə How to pronounce axilla (audio) ak-ˈsil- How to pronounce axilla (audio)
: armpit

Medical Definition

axilla

noun
ax·​il·​la ag-ˈzil-ə How to pronounce axilla (audio) ak-ˈsil- How to pronounce axilla (audio)
plural axillae -(ˌ)ē, -ˌī How to pronounce axilla (audio) or axillas
: the cavity beneath the junction of the arm or anterior appendage and shoulder or shoulder girdle containing the axillary artery and vein, a part of the brachial plexus of nerves, many lymph nodes, and fat and areolar tissue
especially : armpit

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