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septum

noun
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sep·​tum | \ ˈsep-təm How to pronounce septum (audio) \
plural septa\ ˈsep-​tə How to pronounce septa (audio) \

Definition of septum

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue — compare dissepiment

Examples of septum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Michael did not suffer any brain damage, but he was diagnosed with a cardiac fibroma that had latched itself to the septum in the left chamber of his heart, according to his GoFundMe. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Baby with Rare Heart Tumor Awoke from Coma Smiling — and Now He Needs Life-Saving Surgery," 25 Oct. 2019 The woman in this case had a horizontal wall, known as a transverse vaginal septum (TVS). — Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, "This Woman Couldn’t Have Sex Because She Had a ‘Dead End’ Vagina—Here’s What That Means," 15 July 2019 The woman underwent surgery to remove the septum and extend her vaginal cavity. — Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, "This Woman Couldn’t Have Sex Because She Had a ‘Dead End’ Vagina—Here’s What That Means," 15 July 2019 Bad Bunny said from Puerto Rico, beating his chest in a yellow hoodie and two nose rings (nostril, septum), in between bites of a hefty calzone. — Joe Coscarelli, New York Times, "How J Balvin and Bad Bunny Made Their Surprise Album, ‘Oasis’," 28 June 2019 Paired with her septum ring and earrings, Erivo's brows look more like stunning pieces of jewelry than makeup. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "Met Gala 2018: Cynthia Erivo Brings Bejeweled Brow Art to the Red Carpet," 7 May 2018 Interventricular septum, tricuspid valve, papillary muscles. — Megan Stielstra, Longreads, "Here is My Heart," 19 Apr. 2018 Tilberg’s raven hair and septum piercing became ubiquitous in editorials, ushering in fashion’s love affair with edgy beauty. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "At 38, Tasha Tilberg Is Once Again the Model of the Moment," 14 Mar. 2018 In extreme cases, picking could even damage the nasal septum, which is the thin layer of cartilage separating your two nostrils, Ramakrishnan says. — Markham Heid, Time, "You Asked: Is It Bad To Pick Your Nose?," 28 Feb. 2018

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

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First Known Use of septum

1698, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for septum

New Latin, from Latin saeptum enclosure, fence, wall, from saepire to fence in, from saepes fence, hedge

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Time Traveler for septum

Time Traveler

The first known use of septum was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Septum.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septum. Accessed 26 January 2020.

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More Definitions for septum

septum

noun
sep·​tum | \ ˈsep-təm How to pronounce septum (audio) \
plural septa\ -​tə How to pronounce septa (audio) \

Medical Definition of septum

: a dividing wall or membrane especially between bodily spaces or masses of soft tissue: as
a : nasal septum
b : crural septum

More from Merriam-Webster on septum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about septum

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