fenestra

[ fi-nes-truh ]

noun

, plural fe·nes·trae [fi-, nes, -tree].

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a small opening or perforation, as in a bone, especially between the middle and inner ear.
2. Entomology. a transparent spot in an otherwise opaque surface, as in the wings of certain butterflies and moths.
3. Architecture. a windowlike opening.

fenestra

/ fɪˈnɛstrə /

noun

1. biology a small opening in or between bones, esp one of the openings between the middle and inner ears
2. zoology a transparent marking or spot, as on the wings of moths
3. architect a window or window-like opening in the outside wall of a building

Derived Forms

• feˈnestral, adjective

Other Words From

• fe·nestral adjective
• unfe·nestral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fenestra¹

1820–30; < New Latin, special use of Latin fenestra window, hole (in a wall)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fenestra¹

C19: via New Latin from Latin: wall opening, window

Example Sentences

The pro-otic lies in front of the exoccipital and together with the opisthotic forms the hind border of the fenestra ovalis.

From Project Gutenberg

During life the fenestra ovalis lodges the proximal end of the columellar chain.

From Project Gutenberg

There are in mammals four auditory ossicles forming a chain extending from the fenestra ovalis to the tympanic membrane.

From Project Gutenberg

This operation, however, necessitates the complete mastoid operation in order to freely expose the region of the fenestra ovalis.

From Project Gutenberg

Some authorities advise chiselling away of the margins of the fenestra ovalis.

From Project Gutenberg