noun
or rha·phe ˈrāfē
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek rhaphē seam, suture of the skull, from rhaptein to sew together, stitch — more at wrap
1. : the seamlike union of the two lateral halves of a part or organ (as of the tongue, perineum, scrotum) having externally a ridge or furrow, and internally usually a fibrous connective tissue septum
2.
a. : the part of the funiculus of an anatropous ovule adnate to the integument, forming a ridge along the body of the ovule, and providing a diagnostic character in various seeds (as those of Sarracenia )
b. : the median line or slit of a valve of a diatom
c. : the suture between the two mericarps of the fruit of an umbelliferous plant