Ve"lum (?), n.; pl. Vela (#). [L., an awning, a veil. See Veil.]

1. Anat.

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. Zool.

A veil-like organ or part.

Especially: (a)

The circular membrane that partially incloses the space beneath the umbrella of hydroid medusae.

(b)

A delicate funnel-like membrane around the flagellum of certain Infusoria. See Illust. a of Protozoa.

 

© Webster 1913.