Found 2 items, similar to vela.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: vela velum n 1: membrane of the young sporophore of various mushrooms extending from the margin of the cap to the stem and is ruptured by growth; represented in mature mushroom by an annulus around the stem and sometimes a cortina on the margin of the cap [syn: partial veil] 2: membrane initially completely investing the young sporophore of various mushrooms that is ruptured by growth; represented in the mature mushroom by a volva around lower part of stem and scales on upper surface of the cap [syn: universal veil] 3: a muscular flap that closes off the nasopharynx during swallowing or speaking [syn: soft palate] [also: vela (pl)] vela See velum
English → English (gcide) Definition: Vela Velum \Ve"lum\, n.; pl. Vela. [L., an awning, a veil. See Veil.] [1913 Webster] 1. (Anat.) Curtain or covering; -- applied to various membranous partitions, especially to the soft palate. See under Palate. [1913 Webster] 2. (Bot.) (a) See Veil, n., 3 (b) . (b) A thin membrane surrounding the sporocarps of quillworts Isoetes). [1913 Webster] 3. (Zo["o]l.) A veil-like organ or part. Especially: (a) The circular membrane that partially incloses the space beneath the umbrella of hydroid medus[ae]. (b) A delicate funnel-like membrane around the flagellum of certain Infusoria. See Illust. a of Protozoa. [1913 Webster]