An annulus is a ring-shaped structure or region, often surrounding another part (such as a circular band or a ring-like opening). In anatomy, it denotes the surrounding ring, like the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. The term is used in science and mathematics to describe any circular boundary or perimeter. It conveys a sense of a continuous loop encircling an interior space.
US & AU accents are Premium
Unlock all accent variations
"The annulus surrounding the nucleus pulposus forms part of the intervertebral disc."
"Researchers mapped the annulus of the tumor to determine its boundary."
"In botany, an annulus may refer to a ring-like structure around a plant organ."
"The blueprint showed an annulus that defined the circular opening for the gasket."
Annulus comes from the Latin annulus, meaning a little ring, from podemos annus meaning year or ring? Actually Latin annulus is diminutive of annus (year, ring?). The word likely developed in Latin to describe a circular band or boundary, borrowed into scientific vocabulary to denote ring-shaped structures. The first known use in English dates to technical or anatomical texts in the 17th century as scholars borrowed Latin terms to describe anatomical rings and circular boundaries. Over time, annulus expanded in mathematics and engineering to represent any ring-shaped region bounded by two concentric circles, with consistent connotations of a circular boundary encircling an interior space. In anatomy, annulus became fixed in terms like annulus fibrosus (the tough outer ring of the intervertebral disc) and the annulus of a valve or organ, maintaining its core meaning of a ring-like boundary. The term’s precision and compact form helped disseminate into multidisciplinary usage, retaining its Latin roots while acquiring modern scientific specificity.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "annulus" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "annulus" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "annulus" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "annulus"
-lus sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Pronounce as AN-yoo-lus or AN-nuh-luhs depending on accent. IPA: US /ˈæn.jə.ləs/; UK /ˈæ.njʊ.ləs/; AU /ˈæn.jə.ləs/. The stress is on the first syllable. Start with a short a as in cat, then a light 'nyu' or 'nju' cluster, then a light 'lüs' ending. Visualize hyphenated syllables: AN-nyu-lus. A good anchor is to emphasize the first syllable and reduce the final syllable slightly in clear speech.
Common errors: treating the second syllable as a strong beat (AN-nu-lus with equal stress); mispronouncing the 'nj' cluster as separate consonants (an-nih-lus). Correction: keep stress on AN, produce the 'nyu' or 'nju' cluster smoothly without inserting extra vowels, then finish with a light 'lus' like 'luss' but clipped. Use /j/ palatal approximant to connect AN and 'nyu' rather than an abrupt 'n-yu' sequence. Finally, avoid turning it into 'an-nuh-luss' with an extra syllable; keep it concise: /ˈæn.jə.ləs/.
In US, you’ll hear /ˈæn.jə.ləs/ with a clear schwa in the second syllable and a compact final -lus. In UK, /ˈæ.njʊ.ləs/ often uses a slightly closer jaw and a shorter second vowel, merging the /j/ after the 'æ' as a light 'nyu' cluster. Australian tends toward /ˈæn.jə.ləs/ similar to US but with a more centralized vowel in the second syllable and a less pronounced final 's'. Across all, the key is the first-stress syllable and the /j/ bridging sound in the middle rather than a hard 'ny' consonant sequence.
Two main challenges: the 'nj' cluster between the first and second syllables and the final unstressed -ulus. The middle /j/ needs to be a smooth palatal approximant linking AN and 'lus' without inserting extra vowels. The ending /ləs/ is light, so many speakers insert a full syllable or mispronounce as /-ləs/ with extra tension. Practice with a steady rhythm: /ˈæn.jə.ləs/ and ensure a clean, brief second syllable vowel rather than a drawn-out 'yuh'.
In practice, the first syllable is a short 'a' as in 'cat' with a clear /n/ onset. The 'ann' is not pronounced as a long 'ann' but as a brief /æn/ followed by the palatal /j/ for the 'nyu' sound. Avoid elongating the first vowel; keep it crisp: /ˈæn.jə.ləs/. The diacritic indicates the nucleus is short and the /n/ is immediately followed by /j/ to create the /nj/ cluster; this is crucial for natural-sounding pronunciation.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "annulus"!
No related words found
