bursa of Fabricius

noun phrase

bursa of Fa·​bri·​cius -fə-ˈbrē-sh(ē-)əs How to pronounce bursa of Fabricius (audio) -ˈbri- How to pronounce bursa of Fabricius (audio)
-s(ē-)əs
: a lymphoid organ that opens into the cloaca of birds and functions in B cell production

Word History

Etymology

Johan C. Fabricius †1808 Danish entomologist

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bursa of Fabricius was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near bursa of Fabricius

Cite this Entry

“Bursa of Fabricius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bursa%20of%20Fabricius. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

bursa of Fabricius

noun
bursa of Fa·​bri·​cius -fə-ˈbrish(-ē)-əs How to pronounce bursa of Fabricius (audio)
: a blind glandular sac that opens into the cloaca of birds and functions in B cell production

More from Merriam-Webster on bursa of Fabricius

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!