Columella

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Columella \Col`u*mel"la\, n. [L., dim. of columen column. See
     {Column}.]
     1. (Bot.)
        (a) An axis to which a carpel of a compound pistil may be
            attached, as in the case of the geranium; or which is
            left when a pod opens.


        (b) A columnlike axis in the capsules of mosses.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Anat.) A term applied to various columnlike parts; as,
        the columella, or epipterygoid bone, in the skull of many
        lizards; the columella of the ear, the bony or
        cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with
        the internal ear.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zool.)
        (a) The upright pillar in the axis of most univalve
            shells.
        (b) The central pillar or axis of the calicles of certain
            corals.
            [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  columella
       n : a small column (or structure resembling a column) that is a
           part of a plant or animal
       [also: {columellae} (pl)]