axillary

American  

[ak-suh-ler-ee] / ˈæk səˌlɛr i /

adjective

1. Anatomy, Ornithology. pertaining to the axilla.

2. Botany. pertaining to or growing from the axil.

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noun

plural

axillaries

1. Ornithology. axillar.

axillary British  

/ ækˈsɪlərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or near the armpit

2. botany growing in or related to the axil

   an axillary bud

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noun

1. Also called: axillar.  (usually plural) one of the feathers growing from the axilla of a bird's wing

Other Word Forms

• interaxillary
  adjective
• postaxillary
  adjective
• superaxillary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of axillary

First recorded in 1605–15; axill(a) + -ary

Example Sentences

Axillary incision: Diptera; an incision on inner margin of wing, near base, which separates the alula from the main part.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

Axillary membrane absent; arms robust, forearm not noticeably heavier than upper arm; distinct transverse fold on wrist.

From Descriptions of New Hylid Frogs From Mexico and Central America by Duellman, William E.

Axillary lobe: the sclerite covering the base of the wing in Diptera; see also alula and posterior lobe.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

Ligature of Axillary, in its second stage, is not an advisable operation, when it is merely intended to throw a ligature round the artery for an aneurism lower down.

From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Bell, Joseph

Axillary buds superposed, i. e., with a second one just above the first 1b, in AQUIFOLIACEAE, p.

From The Plants of Michigan Simple Keys for the Identification of the Native Seed Plants of the State by Gleason, Henry Allan