velum

Noun

velum (plural vela or velums)

1. The soft palate.
2. A thin membrane partially covering the cluster of sporangia near the leaf base in quillworts and their extinct relatives.
3. A veil-like membrane of immature mushrooms extending from the margin of the cap to the stem and is torn by growth, to reveal the gills.
4. A locomotory and feeding organ provided with cilia found in the larval stage of bivalves.
5. An annular membrane, typically bordering a cavity, especially in certain molluscs, medusae, and other invertebrates.
6. A delicate membrane found on certain protists.
7. An accessory cloud resembling a veil extending over a large distance; normally associated with cumulus and cumulonimbus.
8. a thin coating or film of mucus or phlegm.