axillae

A doctor gently examines the patient's axillae during a routine checkup.

Definition

1. Noun (plural of ):
   • Anatomical: The technical term for the armpits — the hollow areas under the arm where the arm joins the shoulder.
   • Botanical: The angles between a leaf or branch and the stem from which it grows (also called axils).

Usage Examples

• (The armpits are checked for swelling.)
• (Buds form in the angles between leaves and stems.)

Advanced Usage

• "Axillary" (adjective): relating to the axillae.
  • The axillary artery supplies blood to the arm. (The artery in the armpit region.)
• "Axillary hair": hair that grows in the armpits.
  • Axillary hair typically appears during puberty.

Variants and Related Words

• Axilla (noun, singular): the armpit or the angle between a leaf and stem.
  • The axilla is a common site for sweat gland infections.
• Axillary (adj): pertaining to the axillae.
  • Axillary temperature is measured by placing a thermometer under the arm.

Synonyms

• Armpits: the common term for the axillae in anatomy.
• Axils: the botanical term for the leaf-stem angle.

Related Idioms

• "Under the arm": a colloquial phrase referring to the axillae.
  • He carried the package under his arm. (He held it near his axilla.)