areola
UK[əˈriːələ]US[əˈriːələ]
n
A small circular area, especially the ring of colored skin surrounding a nipple.
n
Any small circular space, such as the colored part around the pupil of the eye or a small interstice in tissue.
Morpheme Breakdown
areol
a
areol
small open space
a
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'areola' is a direct borrowing from Latin, where it served as the diminutive form of 'area'. In Latin, 'area' originally referred to a vacant piece of level ground, an open space, or a threshing floor. The diminutive suffix '-ola' thus created the meaning of "a small open space." This literal sense was adopted into anatomical and biological terminology in the 17th century to describe small circular interstices or spaces in tissues, most notably the pigmented ring around the human nipple. The logic of the word's formation perfectly captures its modern medical definition: a diminutive, defined area distinct from the surrounding tissue.
Analysis
Structure: areol (small open space) + a (noun suffix)
areol (Latin: 'areola', a diminutive of 'area' meaning a small open space, a small courtyard, or a small piece of level ground). a (Latin: feminine singular noun ending).
Examples
The size and color of the areola can change during pregnancy.
The dermatologist examined the irregular borders of the areola.
In botany, an areola is a small space between the veins of a leaf or the spines on a cactus.