IPA: /kəˈnælɪkjələs/
KK: /kəˈnælɪkjələs/
A tiny channel or duct found in the body, often referring to small passages in structures like bones.
The doctor explained that the canaliculus plays an important role in bone health.
Canaliculus is formed from "canalis" (meaning channel or pipe) and the diminutive suffix "-culus" (meaning small). The word refers to a small channel or duct, often used in anatomical contexts to describe tiny passages in the body.
Think of a 'small channel' — 'canalis' means channel, and '-culus' indicates something small. This helps you remember that 'canaliculus' refers to a tiny channel.