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fenestra

[fi-nes-truh]
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR fenestra ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural fe·nes·trae [fi-nes-tree] /fɪˈnɛs tri/.

Anatomy, Zoology. a small opening or perforation, as in a bone, especially between the middle and inner ear.
Entomology. a transparent spot in an otherwise opaque surface, as in the wings of certain butterflies and moths.
Architecture. a windowlike opening.

Origin of fenestra

1820–30; < New Latin, special use of Latin fenestra window, hole (in a wall)
Related formsfe·nes·tral, adjectiveun·fe·nes·tral, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for fenestra

bay, aperture, bow, fenestella, oriel, jalousie, dormer, casement, fenestration, fanlight, fenestra, lunette, skylight, porthole, lancet, lucarne, mullioned

Examples from the Web for fenestra

Historical Examples of fenestra

  • Mr. Fenestra had it taken out because the ringing of the bell made him jumpy.

    The Secret Pact

    Mildred A. Wirt

  • “Fenestra always keeps the cave padlocked,” revealed Tillie.

    The Secret Pact

    Mildred A. Wirt

  • Fenestra answered it, and when he came back into the kitchen he was in a dreadful temper.

    The Secret Pact

    Mildred A. Wirt

  • “Fenestra has been very nervous since I came here,” Mrs. Weems contributed.

    The Secret Pact

    Mildred A. Wirt

  • “Well, thank you kindly,” Mr. Fenestra said, tipping his hat.

    The Secret Pact

    Mildred A. Wirt

British Dictionary definitions for fenestra

fenestra

noun plural -trae (-triː)

biology a small opening in or between bones, esp one of the openings between the middle and inner ears
zoology a transparent marking or spot, as on the wings of moths
architect a window or window-like opening in the outside wall of a building
Derived Formsfenestral, adjective

Word Origin for fenestra

C19: via New Latin from Latin: wall opening, window
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
fenestra in Medicine

fenestra

[fə-nĕs′trə]

n. pl. fe•nes•trae (-trē′)

A small anatomical opening, often closed by a membrane.
The opening in a bone made by surgical fenestration.
A specialized opening, as in a surgical instrument.
Related formsfe•nes′tral adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.