trabecula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A trabecula is typically a small, often rod-like or bar-like support within a tissue or space. A septum is generally a wall or partition that divides a cavity or structure into chambers. A septum can be formed by or contain trabeculae, but it is usually a larger, more defined dividing structure.

Extremely rarely. Its use is almost entirely confined to the life sciences and biomedical engineering. You might find analogous uses in materials science to describe microscopic support structures in synthetic foams or composites.

Use it as a plural noun, typically with a plural verb. Example: 'The trabeculae in this specimen are highly aligned, providing directional strength.' It often follows a descriptor like 'bony', 'splenic', or 'cardiac'.

Because we often describe the quality, pattern, or architecture of the entire network (the 'trabecular network' or 'trabecular bone'), rather than focusing on a single, minute structural element. 'Trabecular' refers to the collective properties of all the trabeculae.

A small bar, rod, band, or strip of tissue, especially in the framework of a bodily organ or a plant structure.

Trabecula is usually formal, technical/scientific in register.

Trabecula: in British English it is pronounced /trəˈbɛkjʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /trəˈbɛkjələ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.