a·re·o·la Audio pronunciation of "areola" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-r-l) also ar·e·ole (âr-l)
n. pl. a·re·o·lae (-l) or a·re·o·las also ar·e·oles (-lz)
1. areole
1. Biology. A small space or interstice in a tissue or part, such as the area bounded by small veins in a leaf or the wing of an insect.
2. A small, specialized, cushionlike area on a cactus from which hairs, glochids, spines, branches, or flowers may arise.
2. Anatomy. A small ring of color around a center portion, as about the nipple of the breast or the part of the iris surrounding the pupil of the eye.