acinus

American  

[as-uh-nuhs] / ˈæs ə nəs /

noun

plural

acini

1. Botany. one of the small drupelets or berries of an aggregate, baccate fruit, as the blackberry.

2. a berry, as a grape or currant.

3. Anatomy.

   1. a minute rounded lobule.

   2. the smallest secreting portion of a gland.

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acinus British  

/ ˈæsɪnəs, əˈsɪnɪk /

noun

1. anatomy any of the terminal saclike portions of a compound gland

2. botany any of the small drupes that make up the fruit of the blackberry, raspberry, etc

3. obsolete botany a collection of berries, such as a bunch of grapes

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Other Word Forms

• acinar adjective
• acinic adjective

Etymology

Origin of acinus

1725–35; < Latin: grape, berry, seed of a berry

Example Sentences

By analogy, acinus is applied in anatomy to similar granules or glands, or lobules of a gland.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

If of several days' longer duration, purulent softening will be noticed in the centre of the acini; this gradually extends until each acinus is converted into a little sac of pus.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various