1. a small space or area, especially a circular or angular space between lines or surfaces
Usage: anatomy; botany
2. in cacti, a specialized structure from which spines, flowers, and new shoots emerge
Usage: botany
3. a small colored area on an insect’s wing
Usage: entomology

Examples

• The cactus had sharp spines growing from each areole.
• Botanists study the areoles to identify different cactus species.
• The butterfly’s wing displayed colorful areoles in intricate patterns.
• Each areole on the prickly pear produces both spines and flowers.
• The anatomist pointed out the small areoles in the tissue sample.
• New growth emerges from the areoles along the cactus stem.