invagination

American  

[in-vaj-uh-ney-shuhn] / ɪnˌvædʒ əˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of invaginating.

2. Embryology. the inward movement of a portion of the wall of a blastula in the formation of a gastrula.

3. Pathology. intussusception.

4. a form or shape resulting from an infolded tissue.

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invagination British  

/ ɪnˌvædʒɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. pathol the process of invaginating or the condition of being invaginated; intussusception

2. pathol an invaginated organ or part

3. an infolding of the outer layer of cells of an organism or part of an organism so as to form a pocket in the surface, as in the embryonic development of a gastrula from a blastula

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Etymology

Origin of invagination

First recorded in 1650–60; invaginate + -ion

Example Sentences

The archenteron develops into the alimentary canal, and a mouth opening is formed by invagination of ectoderm at the pole opposite the blastopore of the gastrula.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

White arrow denotes the invagination that forms the shell gland.

From Nature • Oct. 3, 2012

White arrow denotes the invagination that forms the shell gland.

From Nature • Oct. 3, 2012

Proctodaeum: the invagination of epiblast that produces the anus and intestine as far forward as and including malpighian tubes.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

The pore or opening leading into the cavity of invagination, or archenteron.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah