axilla

American  

[ak-sil-uh] / ækˈsɪl ə /

noun

plural

axillae

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

It is a familiar fact that the difference of temperature in cholera when taken in the rectum and the axilla may be 4° F., or even more than this.

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

The temperature in the axilla is normally about half a degree lower than in the mouth.

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

His right hand had only one small sore upon it, and no tumour discovered itself in the corresponding axilla.

From An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of the Variolae Vaccinae A Disease Discovered in Some of the Western Counties of England, Particularly Gloucestershire, and Known by the Name of the Cow Pox by Jenner, Edward

Temperatures taken in the axilla are less accurate than those taken by mouth or rectum.

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

Ventrolateral glands weakly developed, not reaching axilla or groin and broadly separated midventrally.

From A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla by Duellman, William E.