follicle Hear it!

follicle definition

fol·li·cle (fäl′i kəl)

noun

  1. Anat.
    1. any small sac, cavity, or gland for excretion or secretion a hair follicle
    2. Obsolete a lymph nodule
  2. Bot. a dry seed pod with a single cavity, that splits open along only one seam to release its seeds, as a milkweed pod

Etymology: ModL folliculus < L, a small bag, husk, pod, dim. of follis, bellows < IE base *bhel-, to blow up, swell > ball, bull

Related Forms:

  • follicular fol·lic′u·lar (fə lik′yo̵̅o̅ lər, -yə-) adjective
  • folliculate fol·lic′u·late (-lit, -lāt′) adjective or folliculated fol·lic′u·lat′ed

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