SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

ostiole

noun
Save Word
os·​ti·​ole | \ ˈä-stē-ˌōl How to pronounce ostiole (audio) \

Definition of ostiole

: a small bodily aperture, orifice, or pore

Examples of ostiole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As its spores ripen, the puffball’s outer skin, or cuticle, develops one or two small holes called ostioles through which millions of dry spores escape at the smallest disturbance. — Dave Taft, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ostiole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ostiole

1721, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ostiole

New Latin ostiolum, from Latin, diminutive of ostium

Learn More About ostiole

Time Traveler for ostiole

Time Traveler

The first known use of ostiole was in 1721

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near ostiole

ostiolate

ostiole

ostium

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for ostiole

Cite this Entry

“Ostiole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ostiole. Accessed 1 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

debunk

Listen to the pronunciation of debunk

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games