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pileus Definition

pi·leus (lē əs, pilē-)

noun pl. -·lei′--ī′

  1. a type of brimless cap worn in ancient Rome
  2. Bot. the cap of a mushroom, or the similar part of the fruiting body of other fungi
  3. Zool.
    1. the umbrella-shaped disk of a jellyfish
    2. pileum

Etymology: < L pilleus (or pilleum), felt cap, akin to pilus, hair: see pile

pileus Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • wear: He also wears the pileus, the felt cap worn by ex-slaves when they have received their liberty.

Modifies a noun

  • cloud: The water vapor in it suddenly condenses forming a misty veil-like layer of droplets above the cumulus - pileus cloud.

Browse dictionary entries near pileus

  1. pileup
  2. pileum
  3. piles
  4. pileous
  5. piled
  6. pileated woodpecker
  7. pileate
  8. pile
  9. Pilcomayo
  10. pilchard
  1. pilewort
  2. pilfer
  3. pilferage
  4. pilgarlic
  5. pilgrim
  6. Pilgrim Fathers
  7. Pilgrim's Progress
  8. pilgrimage
  9. pili
  10. pili-