What does lamella mean?
Lamella is a formal, technical noun meaning a thin plate, sheet, or layer. Its uses are especially common in anatomy, histology, botany, mycology, and microscopy, where it describes the fine structural divisions of tissues or organisms. In bone, for example, lamellae are thin layers of mineralized tissue arranged in distinct patterns. In plant anatomy, the term middle lamella refers to the thin layer between adjacent plant-cell walls. In mycology, a lamella is a gill, one of the radiating plates beneath a mushroom cap. The word is also used more generally in technical descriptions of thin plates or layers of material. Although lamella can be understood in everyday contexts, it is more characteristic of scientific and formal writing than of general conversation.
nounA thin layer, plate, or sheet, especially one of the microscopic plates or layers of material forming a biological structure.
- A thin, flat layer or plate of material.
- Anatomy: one of the thin, parallel layers of bone or other tissue.
- Biology and microscopy: a thin, sheet-like subdivision visible in a specimen.
- Mycology: one of the radiating gills beneath the cap of a mushroom.
"The microscope revealed a thin lamella of tissue between the two layers."
"Each bone lamella contains mineralized tissue arranged in a regular pattern."
"A thin lamella of fungal tissue was visible beneath the cap."
The standard plural is lamellae; lamellas is also attested.
"The lamellae were clearly visible under the microscope."
From the Latin for “small thin plate,” lamella is a tiny sheet with a major role in bone, plant tissue, fungi, and microscopic structures.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lamella come from?
The English word comes from Latin lamella, a diminutive of lamina, meaning “thin plate” or “layer.” It was borrowed into English and became especially prominent in anatomical, botanical, and microscopic descriptions. Related English words including lamina, laminate, and lamination continue the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How lamella is actually used
Lamella is formal and technical. It is especially common in anatomy, histology, botany, mycology, microscopy, and materials science. The plural is normally lamellae.
Easily confused with lamella
A lamella is specifically a thin plate or layer, while a lamina can refer more broadly to a thin sheet, layer, or leaf-like structure.