plica

noun

pli·​ca ˈplī-kə How to pronounce plica (audio)
plural plicae ˈplī-ˌkē How to pronounce plica (audio)
-ˌsē
: a fold or folded part
especially : a groove or fold of skin

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin, "fold, ply," derivative of Latin plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

circa 1660, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plica was circa 1660

Dictionary Entries Near plica

Cite this Entry

“Plica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plica. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

plica

noun
pli·​ca ˈplī-kə How to pronounce plica (audio)
plural plicae -ˌkē How to pronounce plica (audio) -ˌsē How to pronounce plica (audio)
: a fold or folded part
especially : a groove or fold of skin
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!