areola

(ə-rēˈə-lə) also ar·e·ole (ârˈē-ōlˌ)

1. areole
   a. Biology A small space or interstice in a tissue or part, such as the area bounded by small veins in a leaf or the wing of an insect.
   b. A small, specialized, cushionlike area on a cactus from which hairs, glochids, spines, branches, or flowers may arise.
2. Anatomy A small ring of color around a center portion, as about the nipple of the breast or the part of the iris surrounding the pupil of the eye.

Related Forms:

• a·reˈo·lar, a·reˈo·late (-lĭt) adjective

• a·reˌo·laˈtion noun