Pronunciation: [kɹˈɪbɹəm] (IPA) 
Cribrum is a Latin word that refers to a sieve or a strainer. The spelling of this word is primarily based on the Latin alphabet. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /ˈkrɪbrʊm/. The first sound, /k/, is pronounced as a hard "k" while the second sound, /r/, is a rolled "r." The third sound, /ɪ/, is pronounced as a short "i," and /br/ is the sound combination of "b" and "r". The last sound, /ʊm/, is pronounced as "um".
Cribrum is a Latin noun that refers to a sieve or a meshed instrument designed for straining or separating particles of different sizes. It is derived from the Latin verb "cribrare," which means "to sift" or "to sieve." The term has been adopted into several fields, such as biology, medicine, and engineering, where it describes various structures or devices that resemble a sieve in their function.
In biology, "cribrum" can refer to anatomical features characterized by numerous small openings or holes. For example, the cribriform plate is a bony structure within the skull that contains several small perforations, through which olfactory nerves pass. These openings allow the passage of odor molecules into the nasal cavity, facilitating the sense of smell.
In medicine, "cribrum" can also describe abnormal patterns seen in diagnostic imaging techniques. For instance, a cribriform pattern seen on a radiograph or an ultrasound refers to a specific clustered arrangement of tiny holes or cysts within a tissue or organ. This pattern can be indicative of certain pathological conditions, such as a malignant tumor or a degenerative disease.
Furthermore, in engineering, "cribrum" is used to describe devices or equipment that separate or filter materials based on their size. This may include mechanical screens, filters, or specialized meshes used to sort or remove unwanted particles from a mixture.
Overall, the term "cribrum" encompasses a range of objects or structures with sieve-like properties, and its meaning varies depending on the specific field of study or application.
Lamina cribrosa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cribrum" has Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin noun "cribrum", which means "a sieve" or "a sifter". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*krei-", which means "sieve" or "sift". The term "cribrum" in Latin refers to a device used to separate finer particles from coarser ones, typically by passing a substance through a mesh or porous material.
