mammillary

adjective

mam·​mil·​la·​ry ˈma-mə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce mammillary (audio) ma-ˈmi-lə-rē How to pronounce mammillary (audio)
variants or mamillary
1
: of, relating to, or affecting a nipple, breast, or duct of the mammary gland
mammillary tissue
a mammillary fistula
2
a
: resembling a breast or nipple especially in having a rounded shape
the mammillary process of a lumbar vertebra
b
: studded with breast-shaped protuberances
mammillary forms of agate
3
: of or relating to a mammillary body
the mammillary region of the brain
mammillary nuclei

Examples of mammillary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For example: The Rorschach task strongly activated the anterior section of the thalamus, a large portion of the pulvinar, and part of the mammillary bodies. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2017

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

earlier mammillar "shaped like a nipple" (borrowed from Medieval Latin mammillāris, from Latin mammilla, mamilla "breast, nipple"—diminutive of mamma "breast"—+ -āris -ar) + -ary entry 2 — more at mamma entry 1

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mammillary was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near mammillary

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

mammillary

adjective
mam·​mil·​la·​ry
variants or mamillary
1
: of, relating to, or affecting a nipple, breast, or duct of the mammary gland
mammillary tissue
a mammillary fistula
2
: resembling a breast or nipple especially in having a rounded shape
the mammillary process of a lumbar vertebra
3
: of or relating to a mammillary body
the mammillary region of the brain
mammillary nuclei
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