vitelline
|vi-tel-line|
/vɪˈtɛlɪn/
relating to yolk
Etymology
'vitelline' originates from New Latin 'vitellinus', ultimately from Latin 'vitellus' meaning 'yolk (diminutive)'.
'vitellus' (Latin) gave rise to New Latin 'vitellinus', which entered English as 'vitelline' meaning 'of or relating to the yolk'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to the yolk' in scientific/biological contexts, and this core meaning has been retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a term occasionally used to refer to the yolk or a yolk-related structure such as the vitelline membrane (less common usage).
During the dissection the vitelline remained intact.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or resembling yolk (the yellow part of an egg), especially the yolk's membrane or contents.
The vitelline membrane surrounds the yolk of the egg.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
pertaining to the yolk sac or yolk-related structures in embryology (e.g., vitelline vessels, vitelline duct).
Vitelline veins transport blood from the yolk sac to the embryo during early development.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/07 12:07