Ve"lum (?), n.; pl. Vela (#). [L., an awning, a veil. See Veil.]
1. Anat.
Curtain or covering; -- applied to various membranous partitions, especially to the soft palate. See under Palate.
2. Bot. (a)
See Veil, n., 3
(b). (b)
A thin membrane surrounding the sporocarps of quillworts Isoetes).
3. Zool.
A veil-like organ or part.
Especially: (a)
The circular membrane that partially incloses the space beneath the umbrella of hydroid medusae.
(b)
A delicate funnel-like membrane around the flagellum of certain Infusoria. See Illust. a of Protozoa.
© Webster 1913.