Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
axillary fossa

axillary fossa

7.3
A hollow area under the arm near the shoulder
  • noun
  • /ˈæksɪˌlɛri ˈfɑsə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fosa axilar
  • The doctor examined the patient's axillary fossa for signs of swelling.

Examples

  • Excessive sweat can accumulate in the axillary fossa during hot weather.

  • A visible lump in the axillary fossa may require further medical evaluation.

  • The axillary fossa is sensitive.

  • Check your axillary fossas regularly!

  • The doctor examined the patient's axillary fossa for signs of swelling.

  • A visible lump in the axillary fossa may require further medical evaluation.

  • Excessive sweat can accumulate in the axillary fossa during hot weather.

Synonyms

armpit
vsaxillary fossa
73 1.0

The hollow under the arm near the shoulder

is the formal medical label used in anatomy and clinical language
underarm
vsaxillary fossa
  • UK
5 1.0

The area under the arm where it meets the shoulder

is the anatomical term used by professionals rather than casual references
axilla
vsaxillary fossa
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A hollow area under the arm where it meets the shoulder

is the common everyday label rather than the medical term
axillary cavity
vsaxillary fossa
  • Specialized
6.4

The hollow under the arm near the shoulder, often called the armpit

is the general name used outside technical anatomy contexts

Surface Forms

axillary fossa singular
axillary fossae plural

Morphology

axillary + fossa

The meaning is directly composed from 'axillary' (pertaining to the armpit) and 'fossa' (a shallow anatomical depression), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to the hollow beneath the arm/the armpit. Anatomical compound nouns of this type are regular and similar across languages, supporting a transparent rating.

Etymology

Axillary fossa comes from two Latin words: axillary meaning 'armpit' and fossa meaning 'hollow', so it literally names the hollow under the arm and today means the armpit area.