fossa1
/ˈfɒsə
/noun (plural fossae /ˈfɒsiː/) Anatomy
A shallow depression or hollow.After pre-operative embolisation, the tumour was resected from the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae, sphenoid sinus, nasopharynx, nasal cavity and maxillary antrum....
- Older children and adults experience ‘hot and sweaty fossae and folds’ involving flexor surfaces such as the antecubital and popliteal fossae, as well as the flexor wrists and ankles.
- They occupy the ovarian fossae on the lateral pelvic wall.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from Latin, literally 'ditch', feminine past participle of fodere 'to dig'.
Rhymes
fossa2
/ˈfɒsə/noun
A large nocturnal reddish-brown catlike mammal of the civet family, found in the rainforests of Madagascar.
- Cryptoprocta ferox, family Viverridae.
- The explanation for the strange appearance of fossas and other Madagascar animals goes back some 160 million years ago in geologic time.
- Their big ears help them search for food and hear such enemies as catlike fossas.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Malagasy fosa.