The word "axillary" is spelled with a combination of the letters "ax" and "il", followed by "lary". The "x" is pronounced like the sound at the end of "box", and the "i" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat". The stress in the word falls on the second syllable, which is why the letter "i" is placed after the "x". The final syllable, "lary", is pronounced with the same sound as the first syllable in "Larry". Overall, the IPA phonetic transcription of "axillary" is /ækˈsɪlərɪ/.
Axillary is an adjective that relates to or is situated near the armpit or the area underneath the arm. It is derived from the Latin word "axilla," which means armpit.
In anatomical terms, the axillary region refers to the armpit, which is the hollow area located beneath the shoulder joint, between the upper arm and the chest. This region is home to various important structures, including lymph nodes, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles. The axillary lymph nodes in particular play a crucial role in filtering and draining lymph fluid from the upper limb, the breast, and other surrounding areas.
In medical contexts, the term axillary is often used to describe certain conditions or procedures associated with the armpit. For instance, an axillary lymph node biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the removal of one or more lymph nodes from the armpit to assess for the presence of cancer or infection. Axillary temperature, on the other hand, refers to the measurement of body temperature taken in the armpit, which can be a reliable indicator of overall body temperature.
Furthermore, axillary can also refer to anything that is located beside or near the armpit. For instance, axillary hair refers to the hair that grows in the armpit, while axillary crutches are specially designed mobility aids that are used under the arms to assist individuals with walking or balancing.
Pert. to the arm-pit; arising from the axil in plants.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "axillary" originated from the Latin term "axillaris", which is derived from the Latin word "axilla" meaning "armpit". It refers to something relating to or located in the armpit or underarm area.