fascicle
(ˈfæsɪk(ə)l)
Also 7 fasickle.
[ad. L. fasciculus dim. of fascis: see fasces.]
1. A bunch, bundle. Now only in scientific use. Formerly also fig.
| 1622 F. Markham Bk. War iv. v. 138 This Fasickle or bundle of vertues. 1792 Char. in Ann. Reg. 46/2 The middle fascicle of hair..is wrapped in a large quill of silver. 1846 Dana Zooph. (1848) 368 Lamellæ arranged in groups or fascicles. 1877 Coues Fur. Anim. vii. 198 The hairs of the tail..grow..in somewhat isolated fascicles. |
b. spec. in Bot. A cluster of leaves or flowers with very short stalks growing closely together at the base; a tuft. Also, a bunch of roots growing from one point.
| a 1794 Sir W. Jones Select Ind. Plants Wks. 1807 V. 113 Each blossom, that opens in the fascicle. 1835 Lindley Introd. Bot. (1848) I. 320 Fascicle, a term..synonymous with compound corymb. 1872 Oliver Elem. Bot. ii. 246 In Larch..and Cedar..the acicular leaves are numerous, in dense fascicles. 1880 Gray Struct. Bot. v. 147 An umbel..is sometimes called a Fascicle. |
c. Anat. = fasciculus 1 c.
| 1738 Stuart Muscular Motion iii. 44 A fascicle or bundle of..small muscular fibres. 1839 Todd Cycl. Anat. III. 600/1 The nerve-tubes separate from the primary trunk into smaller fascicles. 1845 Todd & Bowman Phys. Anat. I. 71 The tendons are for the most part implanted by separate fascicles into distinct depressions in the bones. |
2. A part, number, ‘livraison’ (of a work published by instalments); = fasciculus 2.
| 1647 Mayne Serm. Vind. 19 In the next fascicle, you say..that I maintain some things. 1858 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. II. x. ii. 606 Suhm translates; sends it to him..fascicle by fascicle, with commentaries. 1887 Homeop. World 1 Nov. 521 The Sixth Fascicle completes this beautiful work. |