septum

American  

[sep-tuhm] / ˈsɛp təm /

noun

Biology.

plural

septa

1. a dividing wall, membrane, or the like, in a plant or animal structure; dissepiment.

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septum British  

/ ˈsɛptəm /

noun

1. biology anatomy a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities

2. a dividing partition or membrane between two cavities in a mechanical device

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septum Scientific  

/ sĕp′təm /

plural

septa

1. A thin wall or membrane that separates two parts or structures in an organism. Septae separate the chambers of the heart and subdivide the hyphae of some fungi.

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Etymology

Origin of septum

1710–20; < Latin sēptum, variant of saeptum enclosure, noun use of neuter of saeptus (past participle of saepīre to fence); akin to saepēs hedge, fence

Example Sentences

The emotional equivalent of a person still rocking a septum piercing long after they stopped listening to punk music.

From Los Angeles Times

In her two-minute video, Jackson explained that the “really loud whistle” from her nose comes from her perforated septum.

From Los Angeles Times

Her dental work also caused a collapsed septum which she said the NHS would not fix as it was deemed a cosmetic procedure.

From BBC

Doctors say the fall caused a problem with her nasal septum - the bone and cartilage which separates the nostrils.

From BBC

A crowd sporting green hair, skull tattoos and gigantic septum piercings blends with puffer vests, sweaters and responsible ear plugs.

From Los Angeles Times