funiculus

[ fyoo-nik-yuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural fu·nic·u·li [fyoo-, nik, -y, uh, -lahy].

1. Anatomy. a conducting cord, as a nerve cord or umbilical cord.
2. Botany. a funicle.
3. Entomology. (in certain insects) the portion of the antenna between the basal segments and the club.

funiculus

/ fjuːˈnɪkjʊləs /

noun

1. anatomy a cordlike part or structure, esp a small bundle of nerve fibres in the spinal cord
2. a variant of funicle

funiculus

/ fy-nĭk′yə-ləs /

, Plural funiculi fy-nĭk′yə-lī

1. A stalk connecting an ovule or a seed with the placenta (the ovary wall). In some plants, the funiculus develops into a fleshy seed covering called an aril.
2. A slender, cordlike strand or band, especially a bundle of nerve fibers in a nerve trunk.
3. Any of three major divisions of white matter in the spinal cord.
4. The umbilical cord.

Word History and Origins

Origin of funiculus¹

1655–65; < Latin: small rope, cord, equivalent to fūni ( s ) rope, line + -culus -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of funiculus¹

C17: from Latin; see funicle

Example Sentences

Funes or funiculi were small ropes or cords, covered with wax or tallow; such were the torches, used on such occasions; hence the word funus or funeral.

From Project Gutenberg

These curious bodies are produced from the funiculus, and act as reserves of propagative force, as they are not hatched or developed until they get out and find themselves exposed to appropriate circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a single funiculus, which connects the posterior end of the stomach with the base of the zoœcium.

From Project Gutenberg

Hilum, the place of junction of the funiculus with the body of the ovule.

From Project Gutenberg

The two funiculi graciles of opposite sides are in contact in the mid dorsal line and have between them the postero median fissure.

From Project Gutenberg