splenial

1 of 2

adjective

sple·​ni·​al
ˈsplēnēəl
1
: of, relating to, or being a thin membrane bone on the inner side of the mandible of many vertebrates below mammals that resembles a splint and is usually in close relation with the dentary
2
: relating to a splenius muscle
3
: of or relating to the splenium

splenial

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
: a splenial bone

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

in senses 1 & 2, from New Latin splenius + English -al; in sense 3, from New Latin splenium + English -al

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near splenial

Cite this Entry

“Splenial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splenial. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!