Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Columella
1.
(Bot.)
(a)
An axis to which a carpel of a compound pistil may be attached, as in the case of the geranium; or which is left when a pod opens.
(b)
A columnlike axis in the capsules of mosses.
2.
(Anat.)
A term applied to various columnlike parts;
as, the
. columella
, or epipterygoid bone, in the skull of many lizards; the columella
of the ear, the bony or cartilaginous rod connecting the tympanic membrane with the internal ear3.
(Zool.)
(a)
The upright pillar in the axis of most univalve shells.
(b)
The central pillar or axis of the calicles of certain corals.