umbo

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin umbo

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ʌmbəʊ

Noun

umbo (plural umbones or umbos or umboes)

1. (biology) A boss, or rounded elevation, or a corresponding depression, in a palate, disk, or membrane; as, the umbo in the integument of the larvæ of echinoderms or in the tympanic membrane of the ear.
2. (zoology) One of the lateral prominence just above the hinge of a bivalve shell.
3. (mycology) A bump or protrusion on the top of the cap.
4. (historical) The boss of a shield, at or near the middle, and usually projecting, sometimes in a sharp spike.
   • 1786: It is thirteen inches diameter, made of wood covered with leather, and an iron plate decorated with nails and mouldings; the boss or umbo projects four inches. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page xii.

Derived terms

• umbonal
• umbonic

See also

• boss

---

Latin

Noun

umbō (genitive umbōnis); f, third declension

1. boss (of a shield etc.)
2. elbow (or similar projecting part)

Inflection

Number	Singular	Plural
nominative	umbō	umbōnēs
genitive	umbōnis	umbōnum
dative	umbōnī	umbōnibus
accusative	umbōnem	umbōnēs
ablative	umbōne	umbōnibus
vocative	umbō	umbōnēs

---

Swahili

Noun

umbo

1. shape (appearance or outline)

This Swahili entry was created from the translations listed at shape. It may be less reliable than other entries, and may be missing parts of speech or additional senses. Please also see umbo in the Swahili Wiktionary. This notice will be removed when the entry is checked. (more information) July 2009