septum
[ sep-tuh m ]
/ ˈsɛp təm /
noun, plural sep·ta [sep-tuh] /ˈsɛp tə/. Biology.
a dividing wall, membrane, or the like, in a plant or animal structure; dissepiment.
Origin of septum
1710–20; < Latin
sēptum, variant of
saeptum enclosure, noun use of neuter of
saeptus (past participle of
saepīre to fence); akin to
saepēs hedge, fence
Words nearby septum
Example sentences from the Web for septum
British Dictionary definitions for septum
septum
/ (ˈsɛptəm) /
noun plural -ta (-tə)
biology anatomy
a dividing partition between two tissues or cavities
a dividing partition or membrane between two cavities in a mechanical device
Word Origin for septum
C18: from Latin
saeptum wall, from
saepīre to enclose; related to Latin
saepēs a fence
Medical definitions for septum
septum
[ sĕp′təm ]
n. pl. sep•ta (-tə)
A thin partition or membrane dividing two cavities or soft masses of tissue in an organism.
The septum pellucidum.
Scientific definitions for septum
septum
[ sĕp′təm ]
Plural septa
A thin wall or membrane that separates two parts or structures in an organism. Septae separate the chambers of the heart and subdivide the hyphae of some fungi.