Definition

Noun: 1. A small sac or saclike dilation in a compound gland: In anatomy, an acinus is a small, berry-shaped terminal portion of a compound gland, where secretion is produced. It is a fundamental functional unit. 2. A small drupe in an aggregate fruit: In botany, an acinus refers to one of the individual small, fleshy drupes that make up an aggregate fruit, such as a raspberry or blackberry.

Usage Examples

• Anatomical sense:
  • The pancreas contains numerous acini that secrete digestive enzymes.
  • Each acinus in the salivary gland is lined with secretory cells.
• Botanical sense:
  • A blackberry is composed of many tiny acini, each containing a seed.
  • Each small, juicy segment of a raspberry is a single acinus.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in histological and pathological descriptions.
  • The biopsy showed damage to the pulmonary acini.
  • Acinar cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the acinar cells.

Variants and Related Words

• Acinar (adjective): Pertaining to or of the nature of an acinus.
  • Acinar tissue; acinar structure.
• Acinic (adjective): Another form meaning relating to an acinus.
• Acini (plural noun): The plural form of acinus.

Synonyms

• For the anatomical sense: Sac, follicle, alveolus (though these have specific contextual differences).
• For the botanical sense: Drupelet, individual fruitlet.

Notes on Meaning

The two primary meanings are distinct to their scientific fields (anatomy/zoology vs. botany). The common conceptual thread is a small, distinct, often rounded unit that is part of a larger clustered structure.

Noun

1. one of the small sacs or saclike dilations in a compound gland
2. one of the small drupes making up an aggregate or multiple fruit like a blackberry