raphe

American  

[rey-fee] / ˈreɪ fi /

noun

plural

raphae

1. Anatomy. a seamlike union between two parts or halves of an organ or the like.

2. Botany.

   1. (in certain ovules) a ridge connecting the hilum with the chalaza.

   2. a median line or slot on a cell wall of a diatom.

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raphe British  

/ ˈreɪfɪ /

noun

1. an elongated ridge of conducting tissue along the side of certain seeds

2. a longitudinal groove on the valve of a diatom

3. anatomy a connecting ridge, such as that between the two halves of the medulla oblongata

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raphe Scientific  

/ rā′fē′ /

plural

raphae

1. A seamlike line or ridge between two similar parts of a body organ, as in the scrotum.

2. The portion of the funiculus that is united to the ovule wall, commonly visible as a line or ridge on the seed coat.

3. A groove in the frustule of some diatoms.

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Etymology

Origin of raphe

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek rhaphḗ seam, suture, akin to rháptein to sew, stitch together

Example Sentences

The region, known as the dorsal raphe nucleus, or D.R.N., is best known for its link to depression.

From New York Times • Sep. 5, 2016

Some diatoms exhibit a slit in their silica shell, called a raphe.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

It's not yet clear whether these changes are associated with altered gene expression in the neurons of the SCN and the raphe nucleus, another part of the brain region that regulates sleep.

From Nature • May 22, 2013

The yellow dot on the brain picture here is the raphe nucleus, the area where serotonin is produced.

From Scientific American • Mar. 19, 2012

Seeds two to three, of medium size, plump, smooth, not notched; chalaza oval, distinct; raphe a distinct cord-like ridge.

From Manual of American Grape-Growing by Hedrick, U. P.