lamella

noun

la·​mel·​la lə-ˈme-lə How to pronounce lamella (audio)
plural lamellae lə-ˈme-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce lamella (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce lamella (audio) also lamellas
: a thin flat scale, membrane, or layer: such as
a
: one of the thin plates composing the gills of a bivalve mollusk
b
: a gill of a mushroom
c
: one of the bony concentric layers surrounding a Haversian canal in bone

Examples of lamella in a Sentence

the gemstone's distinctive iridescence is caused by light passing from one lamella of crystal to another
Recent Examples on the Web Those vents are slotted to mimic the lamella structures on the undersides of mushrooms, and that design theme permeates the interior. Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 3 Sep. 2023 The beak’s two yellow ridges, called the lamella and the cere, lit up. Julissa Treviño, Smithsonian, 9 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lamella.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of lamina thin plate

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lamella was in 1678

Dictionary Entries Near lamella

Cite this Entry

“Lamella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lamella. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lamella

noun
la·​mel·​la lə-ˈmel-ə How to pronounce lamella (audio)
plural lamellae -ˈmel-(ˌ)ē How to pronounce lamella (audio)
-ˌī
also lamellas
: a thin flat scale, layer, or membrane

Medical Definition

lamella

noun
la·​mel·​la lə-ˈmel-ə How to pronounce lamella (audio)
plural lamellae -ˈme-ˌlē How to pronounce lamella (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce lamella (audio) also lamellas
1
: an organ, process, or part resembling a plate: as
a
: one of the bony concentric layers surrounding the Haversian canals in bone
b(1)
: one of the incremental layers of cementum laid down in a tooth
(2)
: a thin sheetlike organic structure in the enamel of a tooth extending inward from a surface crack
2
: a small medicated disk prepared from gelatin and glycerin for use especially in the eyes
lamellae of atropine
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