axillary
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈæksɪˌlɛri//
KK: /ˈæksɪˌlɛri/
adjective
Definition
Related to the area under the arm or the armpit, often used in medical or anatomical contexts.
Example
The doctor examined the axillary region for any signs of swelling.
Conversation
I read that some plants have axillary buds that help them grow better.
That's interesting! I didn't know that about plants.
Yeah, and it's fascinating how those axillary structures can affect their development.
Nature really has some clever strategies for growth!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
armpit
auxiliary
lateral
Antonyms
central
main
primary
noun
Definition
A term related to the area under the arm or the armpit, often used in anatomical contexts.
Example
The doctor examined the axillary region for any signs of infection.
Conversation
Did you know that some birds have a feather called an axillary feather?
Really? I had no idea what that was!
Yeah, it helps close the space between their flight feathers and body.
Root Explanation
Axillary → It is formed from "axilla" (from Latin, meaning armpit) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning pertaining to). The word "axillary" refers to something that is related to or located in the armpit area.
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin word for armpit, 'axilla', to remember that 'axillary' means pertaining to the armpit.
Visually Confused Words
paxillary
maxillary
biaxillary
paxillar
maxillar
arillary
subaxillary
midaxillary