axilla

American  

[ak-sil-uh] / ækˈsɪl ə /

noun

axillae plural

1. Anatomy. the armpit.

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

3. Botany. an axil.

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axilla British  

/ ækˈsɪlə /

noun

1. the technical name for the armpit

2. the area on the undersurface of a bird's wing corresponding to the armpit

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Etymology

Origin of axilla

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1610–20

Example Sentences

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

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock

Pain up arm to shoulder, thence to back of neck 4 5 V. Pr�cordial pain extending to left axilla, and down arm to finger ends 1 4 VI.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock

The skin on the flanks, especially the axilla, is areolate.

From A Synopsis of Neotropical Hylid Frogs, Genus Osteocephalus by Duellman, William E.

The axilla should first be wiped; then the thermometer should be inserted and held for 5 minutes by pressing the arm tightly against the chest wall.

From American Red Cross Text-Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick by Cross, American Red

It most generally extends to the left axilla, and down the arm to the fingers; as variations it sometimes affects the right axilla and the back of the head.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock