columella

noun col·u·mel·la \ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-lə\

plural col·u·mel·lae\-ˈme-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\

Definition of COLUMELLA

: the central column or axis of a spiral univalve shell

a : the bony or partly cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with the internal ear in birds and in many reptiles and amphibians

b : the bony central axis of the cochlea

— col·u·mel·lar \-ˈme-lər\ adjective

New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of columna

First Known Use: circa 1755

Medical Dictionary

noun col·u·mel·la \ˌkäl-(y)ə-ˈmel-ə\

plural col·u·mel·lae \-ˈmel-(ˌ)ē also -ˌī\

: any of various anatomical parts likened to a column: a : the bony central axis of the cochlea b : the lower part of the nasal septum

: the central sterile portion of the sporangium in various fungi (Mucor and related genera)

—col·u·mel·lar \-ər\ adjective

—col·u·mel·late \-ˌāt, -ət\ adjective

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