infundibulum

noun

in·​fun·​dib·​u·​lum ˌin-(ˌ)fən-ˈdi-byə-ləm How to pronounce infundibulum (audio)
plural infundibula ˌin-(ˌ)fən-ˈdi-byə-lə How to pronounce infundibulum (audio)
: any of various funnel-shaped organs or parts: such as
a
: the hollow conical process of gray matter connecting the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus
b
: the calyx of a kidney
c
: the abdominal opening of a fallopian tube

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, funnel — more at funnel

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of infundibulum was in 1543

Dictionary Entries Near infundibulum

Cite this Entry

“Infundibulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infundibulum. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

infundibulum

noun
in·​fun·​dib·​u·​lum ˌin-(ˌ)fən-ˈdib-yə-ləm How to pronounce infundibulum (audio)
plural infundibula -lə How to pronounce infundibulum (audio)
: any of various conical or dilated organs or parts:
a
: the hollow conical process of gray matter that is borne on the tuber cinereum and constitutes the stalk of the neurohypophysis by which the pituitary gland is continuous with the brain

called also neural stalk

b
: any of the small spaces having walls beset with air sacs in which the bronchial tubes terminate in the lungs
d
: the passage by which the anterior ethmoidal air cells and the frontal sinuses communicate with the nose
e
: the abdominal opening of a fallopian tube

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