fossa

/ˈfɑsə/

/ˈfɒsə/

Other forms: fossas; fossae

Definitions of fossa

1. noun

   a concavity in a surface (especially an anatomical depression)
   synonyms: pit

   types:

   glenoid cavity, glenoid fossa

   the concavity in the head of the scapula that receives the head of the humerus to form the shoulder joint

   glenoid fossa, mandibular fossa

   a deep concavity in the temporal bone at the root of the zygomatic arch that receives the condyle of the mandible

   epigastric fossa, pit of the stomach

   a slight depression in the midline just below the sternum (where a blow can affect the solar plexus)

   type of:

   bodily cavity, cavity, cavum

   (anatomy) a natural hollow or sinus within the body

   concave shape, concavity, incurvation, incurvature

   a shape that curves or bends inward
2. noun

   largest carnivore of Madagascar; intermediate in some respects between cats and civets
   synonyms: Cryptoprocta ferox, fossa cat

   type of:

   viverrine, viverrine mammal

   small cat-like predatory mammals of warmer parts of the Old World