cribriform

The leaf has a cribriform pattern under the microscope.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a sieve-like structure: "cribriform" describes a surface or tissue that is perforated with many small holes, resembling a sieve or a colander. This term is primarily used in anatomy and biology to characterize porous structures.

Usage Examples

• (A sieve-like bony layer that allows olfactory nerves to pass through.)
• (A cellular architecture resembling a sieve.)

Advanced Usage

• "cribriform plate": a specific anatomical region, part of the ethmoid bone, that contains numerous foramina (small holes) for the passage of olfactory nerve fibers.

  • Damage to the cribriform plate can result in a loss of the sense of smell. (Injury to this sieve-like bone structure.)

• "cribriform carcinoma": a type of breast cancer characterized by a growth pattern with holes or fenestrations, often seen in ductal carcinoma in situ.

  • The biopsy revealed a cribriform carcinoma, which has a relatively favorable prognosis. (A cancer with a sieve-like microscopic appearance.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cribrate (adj): having a sieve-like structure; a less common synonym for cribriform.

  • The cribrate surface of the insect's wing allowed for gas exchange. (The porous, sieve-like surface.)

• Cribrum (n, rarely used): a sieve or a structure resembling one, from Latin.

  • In ancient Roman milling, the cribrum was used to separate flour from bran. (A literal sieve.)

Synonyms

• Sieve-like: having many small holes, like a sieve.

  • The bone had a sieve-like appearance under the microscope. (Porous and perforated.)

• Porous: full of tiny holes that allow fluids or air to pass through.

  • The cribriform plate is highly porous to accommodate nerve fibers. (Having many small openings.)

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms