commissure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “commissure” mean?
A junction or seam where two parts, structures, or edges meet or join together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A junction or seam where two parts, structures, or edges meet or join together.
Primarily used in anatomical and biological contexts to denote a band of nerve tissue, or other connecting structure, linking two halves of an organ or body part (e.g., the corpus callosum in the brain).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The primary variation lies in pronunciation.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “commissure” in a Sentence
the commissure of [ANATOMICAL PART, e.g., the brain]a commissure between [TWO PARTS, e.g., the hemispheres]a commissure connecting [TWO STRUCTURES]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commissure” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The commissural fibres were clearly visible on the scan.
American English
- The commissural pathway is essential for interhemispheric communication.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in neuroscience, anatomy, biology, and medical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely cause confusion.
Technical
The primary context of use, specific to descriptions of anatomical and neurological structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “commissure”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “commissure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commissure”
- Misspelling as 'comissure' or 'comisure'.
- Mispronunciation with stress on the third syllable.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'connection' or 'joint' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised, low-frequency term used almost exclusively in medical and biological contexts.
Rarely. Its primary meaning is anatomical, though it can be used poetically or in technical engineering for similar joining structures.
The corpus callosum, the large commissure connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres.
Remember the core 'joining' meaning of 'commissure' (like 'seam') versus the 'authority or task' meaning of 'commission'. Associate 'commissure' with 'tissue'.
A junction or seam where two parts, structures, or edges meet or join together.
Commissure is usually technical / formal in register.
Commissure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒm.ɪ.ʃʊər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.mə.ʃʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'commissure' as a 'committee' for two halves—the place where they meet and communicate.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE OF COMMUNICATION (between two sides/hemispheres).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'commissure' MOST commonly used?