areola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / RareFormal, Medical, Biological
Quick answer
What does “areola” mean?
The small circular area of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The small circular area of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
In a broader biological sense, any small circular area, such as the colored ring around the pupil of the eye or a defined space between veins on a leaf or insect wing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely technical/medical in both varieties. No colloquial use.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “areola” in a Sentence
The areola of [BODY PART]An areola surrounding [FEATURE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “areola” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The surgeon took care to preserve the areola during the procedure.
- Changes in the colour or texture of the areola can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
American English
- The dermatologist noted the patient's areola had a slightly irregular border.
- In mammalian anatomy, the areola contains modified sweat glands.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, nursing, biological, and anatomical texts and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation. Euphemisms or vague terms like 'the darker area' are more common.
Technical
Primary context. Precision is key.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “areola”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “areola”
- Misspelling as 'aureola' (which refers to a radiant circle of light, e.g., in religious art).
- Mispronouncing with stress on the second syllable (/ˈæriˌoʊlə/).
- Using in informal contexts where it sounds overly clinical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a standard, neutral anatomical term. However, its use in everyday conversation outside a medical/educational context may be considered unnecessarily clinical or awkward.
'Areola' is an anatomical/biological term for a small circular area. 'Aureola' (or 'aureole') refers to a radiant circle of light, like a halo around a deity's head in art.
Yes. In eye anatomy, it can refer to the colored ring around the pupil (part of the iris). In botany and entomology, it describes small defined areas between veins on leaves or insect wings.
The most common pronunciation, especially in British English and widely in American English, is /əˈriː.ə.lə/ (uh-REE-uh-luh), with stress on the second syllable. An alternative American pronunciation is /ˌer.iˈoʊ.lə/ (air-ee-OH-luh).
The small circular area of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
Areola is usually formal, medical, biological in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Real Circle Of Light Around' the nipple (using the first letters of 'Areola').
Conceptual Metaphor
A TARGET or CENTRAL POINT (nipple/pupil) defined by a surrounding BORDER or FRAME (the areola).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'areola' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?