capitulum

noun

ca·pit·u·lum kə-ˈpi-chə-ləm

plural capitula kə-ˈpi-chə-lə

: a rounded protuberance of an anatomical part (such as a bone)

: a racemose inflorescence (as of the sunflower) with the axis shortened and dilated to form a rounded or flattened cluster of sessile flowers see inflorescence illustration

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small head — more at chapter

First Known Use

circa 1755, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of capitulum was circa 1755

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Capitulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

capitulum

noun

ca·pit·u·lum -ə-ləm

plural capitula -lə

: a rounded protuberance of an anatomical part: as

: the knob at the end of a bone or cartilage

: the beak of a tick composed of the mouthparts and palpi

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capitulum

noun

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near capitulum

Cite this Entry

Medical Definition