sella: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “sella” mean?
A saddle-shaped anatomical structure, specifically the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A saddle-shaped anatomical structure, specifically the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.
In medical and anatomical contexts, it refers to the saddle-like bony structure. In historical or poetic contexts, it can be used to refer to a saddle or a seat, though this is archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical/medical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to specialist texts.
Grammar
How to Use “sella” in a Sentence
The [adjective] sellaAn MRI of the sellaThe tumour compresses the sellaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sella” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sella anatomy was clearly visible on the scan.
- We noted a sella abnormality.
American English
- The sella anatomy was clearly visible on the scan.
- We noted a sella abnormality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, and biological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used in radiology reports, neurosurgery, endocrinology, and anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sella”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sella”
- Using 'sella' in non-medical contexts.
- Misspelling as 'cella' or 'sela'.
- Pronouncing it /ˈsiːlə/ (like 'see').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term used almost exclusively in medical and anatomical contexts.
It is Latin for 'Turkish saddle', describing the saddle-like shape of the bony structure.
No, that would be incorrect in modern English. Use 'saddle'. 'Sella' in that sense is an archaic Latinism.
No, the standard pronunciation /ˈsɛlə/ is the same in both major varieties of English.
A saddle-shaped anatomical structure, specifically the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone that houses the pituitary gland.
Sella is usually technical/medical in register.
Sella: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SELLA (saddle) for the pituitary gland, which sits in the Turkish (turcica) saddle of the skull.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (The sella is a bony container for the pituitary gland).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'sella' primarily used?