sustentacular cell

noun

sus·​ten·​tac·​u·​lar cell ˌsə-stən-ˈta-kyə-lər- How to pronounce sustentacular cell (audio)
-ˌsten-
: a supporting epithelial cell (such as a Sertoli cell or a cell of the olfactory epithelium) that lacks a specialized function (such as nerve-impulse conduction)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin sustentaculum supporting part, from Latin, prop, from sustentare

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sustentacular cell was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near sustentacular cell

sustenant

sustentacular cell

sustentation

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sustentacular cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustentacular%20cell. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

sustentacular cell

noun
: a supporting epithelial cell (as a Sertoli cell or a cell of the olfactory epithelium) that lacks a specialized function (as nerve-impulse conduction)
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