caruncle meaning: definition, etymology

caruncle

noun

UK /ˈka.ɹəŋ.kəl/ · US /ˈkɛɹˌʌŋ.kəl/

Etymology Borrowed from Middle French caruncule, from Latin caruncula (“a little piece of flesh”), diminutive of carō (“flesh”). Doublet of caruncula.

Anatomy, Biology, Medicine, Natural sciences, Sciences, Zoology, Zootomy A small, fleshy excrescence that is a normal part of an animal's anatomy.

Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences Abbreviation, Clipping Clipping of lacrimal caruncle: the red prominence at the inner corner of the eye.

Biology, Botany, Natural sciences A colored waxy or oily outgrowth near the micropyle of some seeds, attractive to ants which aid the seed's dispersal.

Derived terms: carunclectomy, caruncular, carunculate, intercaruncle
Related terms: dewlap, frill