First Known Use: circa 1755
Dictionary
columella
noun col·u·mel·la \ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-lə\
plural col·u·mel·lae\-ˈme-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\
Definition of COLUMELLA
1
: the central column or axis of a spiral univalve shell
2
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
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Origin of COLUMELLA
New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of columna
Rhymes with COLUMELLA
Medical Dictionary
columella
noun col·u·mel·la \ˌkäl-(y)ə-ˈmel-ə\
plural col·u·mel·lae \-ˈmel-(ˌ)ē also -ˌī\
Medical Definition of COLUMELLA
1
: 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
2
: 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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