1 ostiole | Definition of ostiole
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ostiole

noun
os·​ti·​ole | \ ˈä-stē-ˌōl How to pronounce ostiole (audio) \

Definition of ostiole

: a small bodily aperture, orifice, or pore

Examples of ostiole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 As its spores ripen, the puffball’s outer skin, or cuticle, develops one or two small holes called ostioles through which millions of dry spores escape at the smallest disturbance. — Dave Taft, New York Times, "Puff, the Magic Mushroom," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ostiole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ostiole

1721, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ostiole

New Latin ostiolum, from Latin, diminutive of ostium

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ostiole

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