columella
noun
col·u·mel·la
ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-lə
plural columellae
ˌkäl-yə-ˈme-(ˌ)lē
-ˌlī
1
: the central column or axis of a spiral univalve shell
2
a
: the bony or partly cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with the internal ear in birds and in many reptiles and amphibians
b
: the bony central axis of the cochlea
Cite this Entry
“Columella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/columella. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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