umbo

noun

um·​bo ˈəm-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce umbo (audio)
plural umbones ˌəm-ˈbō-(ˌ)nēz How to pronounce umbo (audio) or umbos
1
: the boss of a shield
2
: a rounded elevation: such as
a
: an inward projection of the tympanic membrane of the ear
b
: one of the lateral prominences just above the hinge of a bivalve shell
umbonal adjective

Illustration of umbo

Illustration of umbo
  • U umbo 1

Word History

Etymology

Latin; akin to Latin umbilicus — more at navel

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of umbo was in 1721

Dictionary Entries Near umbo

Cite this Entry

“Umbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbo. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Medical Definition

umbo

noun
um·​bo ˈəm-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce umbo (audio)
plural umbones ˌəm-ˈbō-(ˌ)nēz How to pronounce umbo (audio) or umbos
: an elevation in the tympanic membrane of the ear

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