1
: the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (such as the tongue) having externally a ridge or furrow
2
a
: the part of the stalk of an anatropous ovary that is united in growth to the outside covering and forms a ridge along the body of the ovule
b
: the median line or slit of the valve of certain diatoms
Examples of raphe in a Sentence
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The region, known as the dorsal raphe nucleus, or D.R.N., is best known for its link to depression.
—
Katie Hafner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2016
The researchers focused on dopamine neurons in a brain region called the dorsal raphe nucleus, best known for its link to depression.
—Quanta Magazine, 10 May 2016
From there, the vagus nerve’s signals travel to other important brain structures with bewildering Latin names, such as the locus coeruleus and the dorsal raphe nuclei.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2015
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Katie Hafner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2016
The researchers focused on dopamine neurons in a brain region called the dorsal raphe nucleus, best known for its link to depression.
—Quanta Magazine, 10 May 2016
From there, the vagus nerve’s signals travel to other important brain structures with bewildering Latin names, such as the locus coeruleus and the dorsal raphe nuclei.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2015
Cite this Entry
“Raphe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raphe. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
raphe
noun
ra·phe
variants
also rhaphe
: the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (as of the tongue, perineum, or scrotum) having externally a ridge or furrow and internally usually a fibrous connective tissue septum
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