capitulum

noun

ca·​pit·​u·​lum kə-ˈpi-chə-ləm How to pronounce capitulum (audio)
plural capitula kə-ˈpi-chə-lə How to pronounce capitulum (audio)
1
: a rounded protuberance of an anatomical part (such as a bone)
2
: 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

Dictionary Entries Near capitulum

capituliform

capitulum

capivara

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Capitulum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulum. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

capitulum

noun
ca·​pit·​u·​lum -ə-ləm How to pronounce capitulum (audio)
plural capitula -lə How to pronounce capitulum (audio)
: a rounded protuberance of an anatomical part: as
a
: the knob at the end of a bone or cartilage
b
: the beak of a tick composed of the mouthparts and palpi

More from Merriam-Webster on capitulum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capitulum

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