flocculus

[ flok-yuh-luh s ]

/ ˈflɒk yə ləs /

noun, plural floc·cu·li [flok-yuh-lahy] /ˈflɒk yəˌlaɪ/.

Astronomy. one of the bright or dark patches on the sun's surface, visible in a spectroheliogram.

Nearby words

flocculation, flocculation reaction, floccule, flocculent, flocculent precipitate, flocculus, floccus, flock, flock dot, flock paper, flockbed

Origin of flocculus

From New Latin, dating back to 1790–1800; see origin at floccule

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for flocculus

Flocculus -i: a hairy or bristly appendage on the posterior coxa of some Hymenoptera.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
When the posterior cox are distinguished by a curling lock of hair (Flocculus).
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. IV (of 4)|William Kirby

British Dictionary definitions for flocculus

flocculus

/ (ˈflɒkjʊləs) /

noun plural -li (-ˌlaɪ)

a marking on the sun's surface or in its atmosphere, as seen on a spectroheliogram. It consists of calcium when lighter than the surroundings and of hydrogen when darker

anatomy a tiny ovoid prominence on each side of the cerebellum

another word for floccule

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

Medicine definitions for flocculus

flocculus

[ flŏk′yə-ləs ]

n. pl. floc•cu•li (-lī′)

A small fluffy mass or tuft.

Either of a pair of small lobes on the posterior border of the cerebellum, forming part of the vestibular part of the cerebellum.