Category:Velum

Ve"lum, n.; pl. Vela. Etym: [l., an awning, a veil. See veil.]

1. (anat.)

Defn: curtain or covering; -- applied to various membranous Partitions, especially to the soft palate. See under palate.

2. (bot.) (a) see veil, n., 3 (b). (b) a thin membrane surrounding the sporocarps of quillworts Isoetes).

3. (zoöl.)

Defn: a veil-like organ or part. Especially: (a) the circular membrane that partially incloses the space beneath The umbrella of hydroid medusæ. (b) a delicate funnel-like membrane around the flagellum of certain Infusoria. See illust. a of protozoa.