fenestella

noun

fen·​es·​tel·​la

ˌfenəˈstelə

1

plural -s

a

: a niche like a window in the south wall of the sanctuary near the altar (as of a Roman Catholic church) containing the piscina and often also the credence

b

: a small window or opening like a window (as in an altar front for allowing relics within to be seen)

2

capitalized [New Latin, from Latin, small window] : a genus (the type of the family Fenestellidae) of Paleozoic bryozoans whose colonies form lacy fronds compare lace bryozoan

Word History

Etymology

Latin, small opening or window, diminutive of fenestra window

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