fenestra

[ fi-nes-truh ]

noun

, plural fe·nes·trae [fi-, nes, -tree].

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a small opening or perforation, as in a bone, especially between the middle and inner ear.
2. Entomology. a transparent spot in an otherwise opaque surface, as in the wings of certain butterflies and moths.
3. Architecture. a windowlike opening.

fenestra

/ fɪˈnɛstrə /

noun

1. biology a small opening in or between bones, esp one of the openings between the middle and inner ears
2. zoology a transparent marking or spot, as on the wings of moths
3. architect a window or window-like opening in the outside wall of a building

Derived Forms

• feˈnestral, adjective

Other Words From

• fe·nestral adjective
• unfe·nestral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fenestra¹

1820–30; < New Latin, special use of Latin fenestra window, hole (in a wall)

Word History and Origins

Origin of fenestra¹

C19: via New Latin from Latin: wall opening, window

Example Sentences

In most meat-eating dinosaurs, a ridge of bone provides a roof over an opening in the skull in front of the eye sockets known as the antorbital fenestra.

From Scientific American

Pterosaurs also had extra openings in their skulls, the largest of which was an opening in front of the eyes known as an antorbital fenestra.

From Scientific American

In the past, scientists believed the two large features in the roof of the extinct predator's skull - called the dorsotemporal fenestra - were filled with muscles that assist with jaw movements.

From BBC

But what has been revealed of the snout is highlighting unknown anatomical features of , including a large antorbital fenestra, or hollow space in the skull, which would have influenced the tone of the Apatosaur's calls.

From Scientific American

One of these “intermediate” triceratops skulls is on public display in the University of California Museum of Paleontology and clearly shows the emerging fenestrae, or holes, in the bony shield of the skull.

From New York Times