axilla

[ ak-sil-uh ]

noun

, plural ax·il·lae [ak-, sil, -ee].

1. Anatomy. the armpit.
2. Ornithology. the corresponding region under the wing of a bird.
3. Botany. an axil.

axilla

/ ækˈsɪlə /

noun

1. See armpit
   the technical name for the armpit
2. the area on the undersurface of a bird's wing corresponding to the armpit

Word History and Origins

Origin of axilla¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1610–20

Word History and Origins

Origin of axilla¹

C17: from Latin: armpit

Example Sentences

He had a little pain in the axilla, and felt a slight indisposition for three or four hours.

From Project Gutenberg

His right hand had only one small sore upon it, and no tumour discovered itself in the corresponding axilla.

From Project Gutenberg

He employed the thermometer in the axilla in examining his cases, as did the iatrophysicists of the previous century.

From Project Gutenberg

The spots chosen are the cavity of the axilla, corresponding with our armpit, and the crease where the thigh joins the belly.

From Project Gutenberg

The long thoracic nerve may be cut across while clearing out the axilla in operating for cancer of the breast.

From Project Gutenberg