columella

noun

col·​u·​mel·​la ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-lə How to pronounce columella (audio)
plural columellae ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce columella (audio)
-ˌlī
1
: the central column or axis of a spiral univalve shell
2
a
: the bony or partly cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with the internal ear in birds and in many reptiles and amphibians
b
: the bony central axis of the cochlea
columellar adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of columna

First Known Use

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of columella was circa 1755

Dictionary Entries Near columella

Cite this Entry

“Columella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/columella. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

columella

noun
col·​u·​mel·​la ˌkäl-(y)ə-ˈmel-ə How to pronounce columella (audio)
plural columellae
-ˈmel-(ˌ)ē also -ˌī
1
: any of various anatomical parts likened to a column:
a
: the bony central axis of the cochlea
b
: the lower part of the nasal septum
2
: the central sterile portion of the sporangium in various fungi (Mucor and related genera)
columellar adjective
columellate adjective
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