lunule

noun

lu·​nule ˈlü-(ˌ)nyül How to pronounce lunule (audio)
: a crescent-shaped body part or marking (such as the whitish mark at the base of a fingernail)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin lunula, from Latin, crescent-shaped ornament, from diminutive of luna moon

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lunule was in 1828

Dictionary Entries Near lunule

lunulate

lunule

lunulet

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Lunule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lunule. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

lunule

noun
lu·​nule ˈlü-(ˌ)nyü(ə)l How to pronounce lunule (audio)
: lunula

More from Merriam-Webster on lunule

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lunule

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