axilla

[ak-sil-uh]

noun

plural

axillae 

1. Anatomy.,  the armpit.

2. Ornithology.,  the corresponding region under the wing of a bird.

3. Botany.,  an axil.

axilla

/ ækˈsɪlə /

noun

1. 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

According to the group, a more recent study found higher levels of one paraben, n-propylparaben, in the axilla quadrant of the breast where the highest proportion of breast tumors is found.

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This means that most women will not need to have a second surgery to the axilla after a cancerous node has been found.

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Of or pertaining to the axilla or armpit; as, axillary gland, artery, nerve.

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In this country it is generally introduced into the axilla, and less frequently into the mouth, for the purpose of making an observation.

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Mrs. D., aged thirty-six, prolonged suppuration due to abscess of the axilla; nine months' standing.

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