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velum

Pronunciation: /ˈviːləm/

Definition of velum

noun (plural vela /-lə/)

  • a membrane or membranous structure, typically covering another structure or partly obscuring an opening, in particular:
  • Anatomy the soft palate.
  • Zoology a membrane, typically bordering a cavity, especially in certain molluscs, medusae, and other invertebrates.
  • Botany the veil of a toadstool.

Origin:

mid 18th century: from Latin, literally 'sail, curtain, covering, veil'

velum in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of velum in the US English dictionary
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