The word "areola" is commonly used in biology to refer to the small circular area around the nipple of the breast, but its spelling can be tricky. It is pronounced [əˈriːələ] in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable starts with the schwa sound, followed by a long "ee" sound, and the final syllable ends in the "uh" sound. The spelling includes the letter "e" in both the first and second syllables, making it a somewhat unusual spelling for English words.
The term "areola" has multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used, such as anatomy, biology, and geography. In anatomy, the areola refers to a circular or oval area of darkly pigmented skin surrounding the nipple on the breast. It is typically slightly raised and contains numerous small Montgomery's glands, which secrete a lubricating substance during breastfeeding. The size and color of the areola can vary significantly among individuals.
In biology, the areola denotes a small space or region surrounded by a larger body part or structure. For instance, in botany, it can refer to the area around the base of a plant leaf where the leaf joins the stem. Similarly, it can also describe the region surrounding the stigma of a flower.
In geography, an areola typically signifies a small body of water, such as a pond or lake, with an irregular shape. These areolas are usually found within larger bodies of water or coastal areas.
To summarize, the term "areola" can refer to the pigmented area surrounding the nipple on the breast in anatomy; a small space or region in biology; or a small body of water in geography. The specific definition depends on the context in which the term is used.
1. Any minute area. 2. One of the spaces or interstices in areolar tissue. 3. The pigmented ring surrounding the nipple. 4. An erythematous ring surrounding a papule, pustule, or other inflammatory lesion of the skin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The coloured circle round the nipple or a pustule.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "areola" comes from Latin, specifically from the diminutive form of the Latin word "area", which means a courtyard or open space. In Latin, "areolus" referred to a small open space or small area. Over time, this term was adopted into English to specifically refer to the small circular area of differently colored skin surrounding the nipple on the human breast.