vexillum

noun

vex·​il·​lum vek-ˈsi-ləm How to pronounce vexillum (audio)
plural vexilla vek-ˈsi-lə How to pronounce vexillum (audio)
1
: a square flag of the ancient Roman cavalry
2
: the web or vane of a feather
3
: the upper, large, often lobed petal of a papilionaceous flower (as of a pea or bean plant) : banner sense 6, standard sense 8a
The flowers are blue with a white patch on the vexillum (standard) which turns to purple as the flower ages …David Simons
compare keel entry 2 sense 2b, wing sense 2e(2)
vexillary adjective
a vexillary corolla

Word History

Etymology

Latin; akin to Latin velum curtain, awning

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vexillum was in 1683

Dictionary Entries Near vexillum

Cite this Entry

“Vexillum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vexillum. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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