septum

[ sep-tuhm ]

noun

, Biology.

, plural sep·ta [sep, -t, uh].

1. a dividing wall, membrane, or the like, in a plant or animal structure; dissepiment.

septum

/ ˈsɛptəm /

noun

1. biology anatomy a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities
2. a dividing partition or membrane between two cavities in a mechanical device

septum

/ sĕp′təm /

, Plural septa

1. A thin wall or membrane that separates two parts or structures in an organism. Septae separate the chambers of the heart and subdivide the hyphae of some fungi.

Word History and Origins

Origin of septum¹

1710–20; < Latin sēptum, variant of saeptum enclosure, noun use of neuter of saeptus (past participle of saepīre to fence); akin to saepēs hedge, fence

Word History and Origins

Origin of septum¹

C18: from Latin saeptum wall, from saepīre to enclose; related to Latin saepēs a fence

Example Sentences

A septum stretching the length of the trunk separates it into two nostrils.

From Science News

His piercing azure eyes are complemented by a new addition to his appearance: a septum piercing in his nose.

From The Daily Beast

The division deepens, the septum divides into two lamellæ, and finally two cells are formed.

From Project Gutenberg

For each myotome there is a single nerve, which enters, as in the case of other fishes, the intermuscular septum.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not possible from transverse sections to determine for certain whether the septum spoken of is complete.

From Project Gutenberg

By the close of stage K, the septum between the mouth and throat becomes pierced, and the two are placed in communication.

From Project Gutenberg

The two Wolffian ducts meet at so acute an angle that their hindermost extremities are only separated by a septum.

From Project Gutenberg