axillary

1 of 2

adjective

ax·​il·​lary ˈak-sə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce axillary (audio)
-ˌle-rē
1
: of, relating to, or located near the axilla
2
: situated in or growing from an axil
axillary buds

axillary

2 of 2

noun

plural axillaries
: one of the feathers arising from the axilla and closing the space between the flight feathers and body of a flying bird

Examples of axillary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
Being around a shirt worn by a man the previous night, male axillary secretions, and even other male animals had the same effect on the rodents. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024 The patch is a welcome departure from the currently available treatment lineup for the most prevalent type of hyperhidrosis, axillary or underarm. Maura Lynch, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023 For example, Wunderlich's measurements were of axillary (armpit) temps, while most modern readings are of oral temps. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2020 Whorls observed in the majority of dogs in this cohort typically occurred on the chest, brachial axillary region, elbows, and ischiatic region. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2012 See all Example Sentences for axillary 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

(sense 1) axilla + -ary entry 2; (sense 2) New Latin axilla axil + -ary entry 2

Noun

axilla + -ary entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of axillary was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near axillary

Cite this Entry

“Axillary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axillary. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

axillary

adjective
ax·​il·​lary ˈak-sə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce axillary (audio)
: of, relating to, or located near the axilla
axillary lymph nodes
axillary temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on axillary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!