Galea

/ɡə'liːə/ noun

Definition

A helmet-shaped structure or anatomical part, such as the helmet-like upper petal of certain flowers or a structure in the skull.

Etymology

From Latin 'galea' meaning helmet; the term was borrowed into anatomical and botanical language because these structures resembled ancient Roman helmets in shape.

Kelly Says

Anatomists and botanists borrowed the word 'galea' (helmet) from Roman soldiers because nature creates helmets too—the snapdragon flower has a beautiful galea that inspired the shape, and your brain sits under a galea-like structure in your skull!

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