ˈfälə̇kəl, -lēk- noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin folliculus, from Latin, small bag, husk, pod, diminutive of follis bag, sack — more at fool
1.
a. : a small cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
a hair follicle
especially : a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt
b. : a small lymph node — see graafian follicle
2. : a dry dehiscent one-celled, many-seeded, and monocarpellary fruit (as that of the peony, larkspur, or milkweed) differing from a pod or legume in opening along only one (as the inner or ventral) suture — see fruit illustration
3. : an air sac (as on a sea plant)