pinnula

[ pin-yuh-luh ]

noun

, plural pin·nu·lae [pin, -y, uh, -lee].

1. a pinnule.
2. a barb of a feather.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinnula¹

1740–50; < Latin, diminutive of pinna pinna; -ule

Example Sentences

Those on the stem have from three to seven serratures each, but the radical ones have more, all distinct; and sometimes the lowermost serrature, at the lower edge, grows out into a sort of spurious pinnula.

From Project Gutenberg

Summit of 1st kotal Statice of Dund-i-Shere, Statice grandiflora, Dianthoides, several Astragali, one with the pinnulæ dentato serratis, petiola spinosa, a tufted Monocotyledonous plant with terete canaliculate subulate leaves, Salvia, Gramen alterum, Composita dislocata, Carduacea, this is the most common plant on the open rounded parts, while the others occupy the rocky sides of the hills. 

From Project Gutenberg

They are to be seen in all stages of development on the pinnæ of a very young frond, those near its base having perhaps effected their purpose, while those at the apex of the pinna, or the prolonging part of pinnula, may be formed of only one cell. 

From Project Gutenberg

Ceterach the same thing occurs precisely, with this difference, that the capita of the ramenta are highly developed; and still more, that the terminations of each pinnula of the young frond, are mere scales without a terminal head.

From Project Gutenberg

No one can look at a young pinnula at this epoch and observe the evident capitation of each ramentum, the inflexion of its apex, so that the head is brought into contact with the frond, without suspecting that they have the same relation of cause to the appearance subsequently of the thecæ or capsules. 

From Project Gutenberg