velum

noun

ve·​lum ˈvē-ləm How to pronounce velum (audio)
plural vela ˈvē-lə How to pronounce velum (audio)
1
: a membrane or membranous part resembling a veil or curtain: such as
b
: an annular membrane projecting inward from the margin of the bell in some jellyfishes (such as the hydromedusae)
2
: a swimming organ that is especially well developed in the later larval stages of many marine gastropods

Examples of velum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The result is a visual feast featuring velum paneling, burled wood doors with brass inlay, jewel-like dressing rooms and two expansive en-suite marble bathrooms. Cynthia Rosenfeld Roxanne Fequiere Siska Lyssens Abigail Glasgow Tilly MacAlister-Smith Juan A. Ramírez, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'velum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin vēlum "awning, curtain"; in sense 1a short for New Latin vēlum palātī or vēlum palātīnum, literally, "curtain of the palate" — more at veil entry 1

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of velum was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near velum

Cite this Entry

“Velum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/velum. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

velum

noun
ve·​lum ˈvē-ləm How to pronounce velum (audio)
plural vela -lə How to pronounce velum (audio)
: a membrane or membranous part resembling a veil or curtain: as
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