lunula

 
Pronunciation: /ˈluːnjʊlə/

noun (plural lunulae /-liː/)

  • 1the white area at the base of a fingernail.
  • 2a crescent-shaped Bronze Age ornament worn as a necklace.

Derivatives

lunular

adjective

lunulate

adjective

Origin:

late 16th century (denoting a crescent-shaped geometrical figure): from Latin, diminutive of luna 'moon'