Follicle

[Lat. folliculus, dim. of follis, a leathern sack.] ( Anat.) A minute gland, consisting merely of a hollow vascular membrane and an excretory duct; hence the term mucous and sebaceous follicles. ( Bot . ) A superior one-celled, one or many-seeded fruit, dehiscing by the ventral suture only; and consequently one-valved. By the latter character it is known at once from the legume, which opens by two sutures, and is two-valved; in other respects the two fruits are alike. Examples occur in the marsh-marigold. Follicular, a. Like, pertaining to, or consisting of follicles. Folliculated, a . Having follicles; follicular. Folliculous, a . [Fr. folliculeux ; Lat. folliculosus .] Having or producing follicles.