columella

noun

col·​u·​mel·​la ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-lə 

plural columellae ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-(ˌ)lē 

-ˌlī

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

columellar

ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-lər 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of columna

First Known Use

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

columella

noun

col·​u·​mel·​la ˌkäl-(y)ə-ˈmel-ə 

plural columellae

-ˈmel-(ˌ)ē also -ˌī

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)

columellar

-ər 

adjective

columellate

-ˌāt, -ət 

adjective