fenestra
[fi-nes-truh]
- 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.
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Origin of fenestra
1820–30; < New Latin, special use of Latin fenestra window, hole (in a wall)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for fenestra
Historical Examples
Mr. Fenestra had it taken out because the ringing of the bell made him jumpy.
The Secret PactMildred A. Wirt
“Fenestra always keeps the cave padlocked,” revealed Tillie.
The Secret PactMildred A. Wirt
Fenestra answered it, and when he came back into the kitchen he was in a dreadful temper.
The Secret PactMildred A. Wirt
“Fenestra has been very nervous since I came here,” Mrs. Weems contributed.
The Secret PactMildred A. Wirt
“Well, thank you kindly,” Mr. Fenestra said, tipping his hat.
The Secret PactMildred A. Wirt
fenestra
- 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
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Word Origin
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
(fə-nĕs′trə)- 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.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.