raphe

noun

ra·​phe ˈrā-(ˌ)fē 

1

: the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (such as the tongue) having externally a ridge or furrow

2

a

: the part of the stalk of an anatropous ovary that is united in growth to the outside covering and forms a ridge along the body of the ovule

b

: the median line or slit of the valve of certain diatoms

Examples of raphe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From there, the vagus nerve’s signals travel to other important brain structures with bewildering Latin names, such as the locus coeruleus and the dorsal raphe nuclei. —IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2015

To better understand the role the dorsal raphe neurons play in loneliness, the researchers genetically engineered the dopamine cells to respond to certain wavelengths of light, a technique known as optogenetics. —Quanta Magazine, 10 May 2016

The researchers focused on dopamine neurons in a brain region called the dorsal raphe nucleus, best known for its link to depression. —Quanta Magazine, 10 May 2016

The region, known as the dorsal raphe nucleus, or D.R.N., is best known for its link to depression. —Katie Hafner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2016

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek rhaphē seam, from rhaptein to sew

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

raphe

noun

ra·​phe

variants also rhaphe

ˈrā-fē 

: the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (as of the tongue, perineum, or scrotum) having externally a ridge or furrow and internally usually a fibrous connective tissue septum