columella

views updated May 08 2018

columella
1. In corals, a rod-like structure formed from the swollen axial end of the counter-septum that may occur as a central structure within the skeleton.

2. In gastropods (Gastropoda), a spiral, rod-like structure formed by the fusion of the inner shell surfaces of the whorls where coiling around the vertical axis is very tight.

columella

views updated May 29 2018

columella The central column of sterile tissue within a spore-bearing structure, found in some fungi and gymnosperms (e.g. Diselma).

columella

views updated May 21 2018

columella
1. In corals, a rod-like structure that is formed from the swollen end of a septum. It may form a central structure within the skeleton.

2. In Gastropoda, a spiral, rod-like structure that is formed by the fusion of their inner surfaces in shells that are coiled very tightly around an axis.

columella

views updated Jun 08 2018

columella (pl. columellae).
1. Baluster.

2. Colonnette.

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Columella

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