tapetum

[ tuh-pee-tuh m ]
/ təˈpi təm /

noun, plural ta·pe·ta [tuh-pee-tuh] /təˈpi tə/.

Botany. a layer of cells often investing the archespore in a developing sporangium and absorbed as the spores mature.
Anatomy, Zoology. any of certain membranous layers or layered coverings, as in the choroid of the eyes of certain animals.

Origin of tapetum

1705–15; < New Latin, special use of Medieval Latin tapētum coverlet (Latin, only plural) < Greek tapēt- (stem of tápēs) carpet, rug

OTHER WORDS FROM tapetum

ta·pe·tal, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for tapetum

British Dictionary definitions for tapetum

tapetum
/ (təˈpiːtəm) /

noun plural -ta (-tə)

a layer of nutritive cells in the sporangia of ferns and anthers of flowering plants that surrounds developing spore cells
  1. a membranous reflecting layer of cells in the choroid of the eye of nocturnal vertebrates
  2. a similar structure in the eyes of certain nocturnal insects
anatomy a covering layer of cells behind the retina of the eye

Derived forms of tapetum

tapetal, adjective

Word Origin for tapetum

C18: from New Latin, from Medieval Latin: covering, from Latin tapēte carpet, from Greek tapēs carpet

Medical definitions for tapetum

tapetum
[ tə-pētəm ]

n. pl. ta•pe•ta (-tə)

A membranous layer or region, especially the iridescent membrane of the choroid of certain mammals.
A layer of fibers of the corpus callosum forming the roof of part of the lateral ventricle of the brain.