septum

[ sep-tuhm ]

noun

, Biology.

, plural sep·ta [sep, -t, uh].

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

septum

/ 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

septum

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of septum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of septum¹

C18: from Latin saeptum wall, from saepīre to enclose; related to Latin saepēs a fence

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Now she is waiting for a NHS referral to have a septoplasty - a procedure to reshape the septum by adding or removing bone and cartilage.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

“When I would be in the makeup chair before crew call, when I put that wardrobe on,” he said, “I had to make that leap of faith to stop talking like this and start talking and breathing like him, with a deviated septum and asthmatic and all the things that he had to deal with.”

From Seattle Times