a·re·o·la ( -r  -l) also ar·e·ole (âr- l )n. pl. a·re·o·lae (-l ) or a·re·o·las also ar·e·oles (-lz) 1. areole a. Biology A small space or interstice in a tissue or part, such as the area bounded by small veins in a leaf or the wing of an insect. b. A small, specialized, cushionlike area on a cactus from which hairs, glochids, spines, branches, or flowers may arise. 2. Anatomy A small ring of color around a center portion, as about the nipple of the breast or the part of the iris surrounding the pupil of the eye. [Latin  reola, small open space, diminutive of rea, open place; see area.]a·re o·lar, a·reo·late (-l t) adj.a·re o·lation n. |
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