fornix

American  

[fawr-niks] / ˈfɔr nɪks /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

fornices

1. any of various arched or vaulted structures, as an arching fibrous formation in the brain.

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fornix British  

/ ˈfɔːnɪks /

noun

1. anatomy any archlike structure, esp the arched band of white fibres at the base of the brain

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Other Word Forms

• fornical adjective

Etymology

Origin of fornix

1675–85; < Latin: vault, arch

Example Sentences

The fornix, a C-shaped bundle of nerves, was similarly deteriorated, stripped of its relative heft.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2017

A self-collected stool specimen represented the microbiota of the lower gastrointestinal tract, and three vaginal specimens were collected from the vaginal introitus, midpoint and posterior fornix.

From Nature • Jun. 13, 2012

You'd have numerous and noticeable problems if your fornix weren't functioning properly, including serious impairments in spatial learning and overall navigation.

From Slate • May 17, 2011

In their first article from 1997, epochs ago in academic terms, Olry and Haines revealed the surprising origins of the term "fornix."

From Slate • May 17, 2011

The levator palpebrae superioris is the highest, and passes forward to the superior tarsal plate and fornix of the conjunctiva.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 1 "Evangelical Church Conference" to "Fairbairn, Sir William" by Various