What does infundibula mean?
Infundibula is the plural form of infundibulum, a word for a funnel or a funnel-shaped passage. Its most characteristic modern use is in anatomy: for example, the renal infundibula are funnel-shaped channels that connect the kidney's calyces with the renal pelvis, helping urine move toward the ureter. The word can also refer more generally to funnels or similar tubular receptacles, though this usage is less common in everyday English. Because it is a learned Latin-derived term, infundibula often has a formal or technical tone and is most familiar in scientific and medical writing. The singular infundibulum remains the appropriate form when referring to one structure. Its unusual plural is important to recognize, since the final -a is part of Latin inflection rather than an irregular modern English plural.
nounThe plural of infundibulum, referring to funnels or funnel-shaped tubular structures, especially in anatomy.
- Funnels or funnel-shaped tubular structures, especially anatomical structures that receive or convey fluid.
- The standard plural of the singular noun infundibulum.
"The renal infundibula carry urine from the kidney's calyces into the renal pelvis."
"Each renal infundibula connects a calyx to the renal pelvis."
"The laboratory used separate infundibula to transfer the liquid carefully."
Infundibula is the standard plural of infundibulum, retaining the Latin-style plural ending used in modern English.
"The surgeon examined the infundibula surrounding the affected area."
The plural infundibula sounds like a formal name for a collection of funnels, but it is especially common in anatomical descriptions of funnel-shaped passages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of infundibula
The word comes from Latin infundibulum, meaning “funnel,” with Latin plural infundibula. Latin infundibulum was associated with infundere, “to pour in,” and ultimately with the same root found in fundus, “bottom” or “base.” English funnel also comes through Old French from the Latin word, while infundibuliform is a later English derivative meaning “funnel-shaped.”
How infundibula is actually used
The plural is formal and specialized in modern English, especially in anatomy and other technical contexts. In general writing, infundibulum is usually used for an individual funnel or funnel-shaped structure.
Easily confused with infundibula
Infundibulum is the singular form, while infundibula is its standard plural.