sustentacular cell

noun

sus·​ten·​tac·​u·​lar cell ˌsə-stən-ˈta-kyə-lər- 

-ˌsten-

: a supporting epithelial cell (such as a Sertoli cell or a cell of the olfactory epithelium) that lacks a specialized function (such as nerve-impulse conduction)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin sustentaculum supporting part, from Latin, prop, from sustentare

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sustentacular cell

noun

: a supporting epithelial cell (as a Sertoli cell or a cell of the olfactory epithelium) that lacks a specialized function (as nerve-impulse conduction)