fenestration meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

fenestration

noun

Etymology Latin fenestratio

Architecture The arrangement of windows and similar openings in a building.

Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences, Surgery An opening in the surface of an organ etc; the surgical creation of such an opening, especially one in the bony part of the inner ear made to improve hearing.

Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences, Surgery An opening that occurs naturally or is created surgically, as through a biological membrane.

Biology, Botany, Natural sciences Either a translucent area in a structure such as a leaf or flower petal, or an opening in a structure.

The terms ‘nectar window’ and ‘fenestration’ are used interchangeably for enlarged gaps on the adaxial side of the stamen sheath or tube. The fenestrations facilitate access to the nectaries by a pollinator.2005, S. Tucker, Australian Systematic Botany, 19(3):193-210. p. 194:
Foliar traits unique to Darlingtonia include the presence of transparent light-transmitting fenestrations, ...2016 D. W. Armitage, Systematic Botany 103(4):780–785. p. 781

Nautical, Transport The practice of placing holes in the rudder of a ship to reduce the work required to move the rudder while preserving its ability to steer the ship.

Derived terms: defenestration, interfenestration, microfenestration, transfenestration
Related terms: fenestra, fenestrated