um·bo ( m b )n. pl. um·bo·nes ( m-bn z) or um·bos 1. The boss or knob at the center of a shield. 2. a. Biology A knoblike protuberance arising from a surface, as the prominence near the hinge of a bivalve shell or the projection at the scale tip of a seed-bearing cone. b. Anatomy A small projection at the center of the outer surface of the eardrum. [Latin umb , umbn-; see nobh- in Indo-European roots.]um bo·nal (mb -nl, m-bnl), um·bonic (m-b n k) adj. |
umbo [ˈʌmbəʊ]
n pl umbones [ʌmˈbəʊniːz], umbos
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) a small hump projecting from the centre of the cap in certain mushrooms
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a hooked prominence occurring at the apex of each half of the shell of a bivalve mollusc
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Anatomy the slightly convex area at the centre of the outer surface of the eardrum, where the malleus is attached on the internal surface
4. (Military / Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) a large projecting central boss on a shield, esp on a Saxon shield
[from Latin: boss of a shield, projecting piece]
umbonate [ˈʌmbənɪt -ˌneɪt], umbonal [ˈʌmbənəl], umbonic [ʌmˈbɒnɪk] adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  umbo - a slight rounded elevation where the malleus attaches to the eardrumconvex shape, convexity - a shape that curves or bulges outward |
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