How Do You Spell LACUNAE?

Pronunciation: [lˈakənˌiː] (IPA)

The word "Lacunae" is a plural form of "lacuna", which means a gap or a missing part. It is spelled as /ləˈkjuːniː/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the second syllable. The "c" is pronounced as /k/ sound, the "u" is pronounced as "yoo" sound because of the following diphthong "ae". The final "e" is silent. This word can be commonly found in biology or anatomy texts referring to small, hollow spaces or cavities within a tissue or organ.

LACUNAE Meaning and Definition

  1. Lacunae is a plural noun derived from the Latin term lacuna, which refers to a gap, hole, or missing part within a larger whole. In general, lacunae refer to empty spaces or missing portions in various contexts, such as literature, anatomy, and knowledge.

    In literature, lacunae typically refer to missing or lost parts of a manuscript, usually resulting from damage, deterioration, or intentional removal. These gaps in text often pose challenges for researchers and scholars studying ancient or historical documents, as the missing information may hinder a full understanding of the work's original content or context. In such cases, experts might attempt to fill these lacunae through various methods, such as comparing multiple versions of the document or using context clues.

    In anatomy, lacunae represent small spaces or cavities within bodily tissues or organs. For instance, bone tissue contains tiny spaces called lacunae, within which osteocytes (bone cells) reside. These lacunae are interconnected by narrow channels called canaliculi, allowing for communication and nutrient exchange between cells. Similarly, dentistry refers to the small cavities within teeth where odontoblasts (cells responsible for dentin formation) are housed as lacunae.

    Moreover, lacunae can also be used metaphorically to describe gaps or missing pieces in knowledge, theories, or understanding. It highlights areas in which information is lacking or yet to be discovered, emphasizing the need for further research and exploration to fill these gaps and expand our comprehension.

    In summary, lacunae are empty spaces, gaps, or missing parts found in literature, anatomy, or knowledge, applicable to various contexts.

  2. One of the hollows or pits on the upper surface of lichens, called the thallus or frond; a large opening or blank space in the midst of a group of cells.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LACUNAE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LACUNAE

Etymology of LACUNAE

The word "lacunae" has its origins in Latin. It is the plural form of the noun "lacuna", which means "a gap or a missing part". The Latin word "lacuna" itself is derived from the verb "lacere", meaning "to gape or to be empty". In English, the term "lacunae" is often used in various fields, including anatomy, biology, and literature, to refer to missing or empty spaces or holes.

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