ˈfȯrniks, -nēks noun
( plural forni·ces -nəˌsēz)
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, arch, vault — more at fornicate
1. anatomy : an arch or fold or an arched or folded structure: as
a. : the vault of the cranium
b. : the part of the conjunctiva overlying the cornea
c. : a body of nerve fibers lying beneath the corpus callosum with which they are continuous posteriorly and serving to integrate the hippocampus with other parts of the brain
d. : the vaulted upper part of the vagina surrounding the uterine cervix
e. : the fundus of the stomach
f. : the vault of the pharynx
2. : one of the small arched scales in the throat of the corolla of some plants (as members of the genus Myosotis )