pinna

[ pin-uh ]

noun

, plural pin·nae [pin, -ee], pin·nas.

1. Botany. one of the primary divisions of a pinnate leaf.
2. Zoology.
   1. a feather, wing, or winglike part.
   2. a fin or flipper.
3. Anatomy. auricle ( def 1a ).

pinna

/ ˈpɪnə /

noun

1. any leaflet of a pinnate compound leaf
2. zoology a feather, wing, fin, or similarly shaped part
3. See auricle
   another name for auricle

pinna

/ pĭn′ə /

, Plural pinnae pĭn′ē

1. A leaflet or primary division of a pinnately compound leaf, especially of a fern frond.

Other Words From

• pinnal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinna¹

1660–70; < Latin: feather, wing, fin

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinna¹

C18: via New Latin from Latin: wing, feather, fin

Example Sentences

A marked difference is noted in the size of the pinna of the ear in the various species.

From Project Gutenberg

He says that Tarentine muslins, woven from the filaments of the pinna dipped in the dye of the murex, rivalled those of Cos.

From Project Gutenberg

The fronds commonly fruit very fully, even the lowest pinna bearing sporangia.

From Project Gutenberg

The terminal pinna of the frond and the terminal segments of the pinnæ are considerably longer than the others.

From Project Gutenberg

They are found in an oyster which is something like the pinna, only less.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brochure
• flier
• handbill
• handout
• pamphlet