raphe

[ rey-fee ]

noun

, plural ra·phae [rey, -fee].

1. Anatomy. a seamlike union between two parts or halves of an organ or the like.
2. Botany.
   1. (in certain ovules) a ridge connecting the hilum with the chalaza.
   2. a median line or slot on a cell wall of a diatom.

raphe

/ ˈreɪfɪ /

noun

1. an elongated ridge of conducting tissue along the side of certain seeds
2. a longitudinal groove on the valve of a diatom
3. anatomy a connecting ridge, such as that between the two halves of the medulla oblongata

raphe

/ rā′fē′ /

, Plural raphae rā′fē′

1. A seamlike line or ridge between two similar parts of a body organ, as in the scrotum.
2. The portion of the funiculus that is united to the ovule wall, commonly visible as a line or ridge on the seed coat.
3. A groove in the frustule of some diatoms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raphe¹

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek rhaphḗ seam, suture, akin to rháptein to sew, stitch together

Word History and Origins

Origin of raphe¹

C18: via New Latin from Greek rhaphē a seam, from rhaptein to sew together

Example Sentences

This brain area is known to send projections to a site in the brain’s medulla, the raphe pallidus, which promotes increases in body temperature.

From Nature

The strength of the peak from the trigger network predicts the strength of the subsequent activation in the dorsal raphe’s exploitation-network neurons.

From Nature

The region, known as the dorsal raphe nucleus, or D.R.N., is best known for its link to depression.

From New York Times

The animals were euthanized after testing and TPH2 levels measured in a section of the brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus.

From Wall Street Journal

In experiments with mice, Vanderbilt University biologists say they traced SAD to a small region of the mid-brain called the dorsal raphe nucleus.

From US News