tomentum

[ tuh-men-tuhm ]

noun

, Botany, Entomology.

, plural to·men·ta [t, uh, -, men, -t, uh].

1. pubescence consisting of longish, soft, entangled hairs pressed close to the surface.

tomentum

/ təˈmɛntəm; təˈmɛntəʊs /

noun

1. a feltlike covering of downy hairs on leaves and other plant parts
2. a network of minute blood vessels occurring in the human brain between the pia mater and cerebral cortex

Derived Forms

• tomentose, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomentum¹

1690–1700; < New Latin tōmentum, Latin: stuffing (of wool, hair, etc.) for cushions

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomentum¹

C17: New Latin, from Latin: stuffing for cushions; related to Latin tumēre to swell

Example Sentences

The foxy flavor, the tomentum of the leaf, the pulpy flesh, and the usually continuous tendrils are all from Labrusca.

From Project Gutenberg

The caps are convex, covered with a tawny-brown fibrillose tomentum.

From Project Gutenberg

A neat, small-growing species, with white flowers and glossy-green leaves covered with a rusty-white tomentum beneath.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole tree is usually covered with a scaly tomentum, while the fruit is a black flattened drupe.

From Project Gutenberg

The plant is quite hardy and easily identified because of its long and slender stem, with the grayish tomentum at the base.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dressing
• filling