funiculus

[ fyoo-nik-yuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural fu·nic·u·li [fyoo-, nik, -y, uh, -lahy].

1. Anatomy. a conducting cord, as a nerve cord or umbilical cord.
2. Botany. a funicle.
3. Entomology. (in certain insects) the portion of the antenna between the basal segments and the club.

funiculus

/ fjuːˈnɪkjʊləs /

noun

1. anatomy a cordlike part or structure, esp a small bundle of nerve fibres in the spinal cord
2. See funicle
   a variant of funicle

funiculus

/ fy-nĭk′yə-ləs /

, Plural funiculi fy-nĭk′yə-lī

1. A stalk connecting an ovule or a seed with the placenta (the ovary wall). In some plants, the funiculus develops into a fleshy seed covering called an aril.
2. A slender, cordlike strand or band, especially a bundle of nerve fibers in a nerve trunk.
3. Any of three major divisions of white matter in the spinal cord.
4. The umbilical cord.

Word History and Origins

Origin of funiculus¹

1655–65; < Latin: small rope, cord, equivalent to fūni ( s ) rope, line + -culus -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of funiculus¹

C17: from Latin; see funicle

Example Sentences

Ovule pendulous on a slender erect funiculus; seed erect, 6-grooved.

From Project Gutenberg

Raphe, the adherent funiculus connecting the hilum and chalaza in anatropous or amphitropous ovules or seeds.

From Project Gutenberg

In Flustra the young polypide-bud becomes connected with the 'brown body' by a funiculus.

From Project Gutenberg

The ovary develops at the end of the upper, the testis at that of the lower funiculus.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a single funiculus, which connects the posterior end of the stomach with the base of the zoœcium.

From Project Gutenberg