/ˈfimbrēə/
Noun, pl. fimbriae or fimbriæ
1. Any anatomical structure in the form of a fringe, but especially that around the ovarian end of the Fallopian tube. (wiktionary.org). An individual thread in such a structure, esp. a fingerlike projection at the end of the Fallopian tube near the ovary. (Google Dictionary)
2. (Bacteriology)
a. A proteinaceous appendage in many gram-negative bacteria that is thinner and shorter than a flagellum. (wikipedia.org)
b. A short, filamentous projection on a bacterial cell, used not for motility but for adhering to other bacterial cell (especially for mating) or to animal cells. (biology-online.org)
3. (Neuroanatomy)
A prominent band of white matter along the medial edge of the hippocampus in the brain. (wikipedia.org)
4. (Female reproductive system)
A fringe of tissue near the ovary leading to the fallopian tube. (wikipedia.org)
5. (Entomology) A fringe of setae, usually along the margin of a segment. (wikipedia.org)
6. (Zoology) A genus of clams. (wikipedia.org)
Word origin: A Latin word that literally means “fringe.”