1. small circular areas on cacti from which spines, flowers, or new shoots grow
Usage: botany
2. small circular or ring-shaped areas, especially in anatomy or biology
Usage: technical

Examples

• The cactus had white spines emerging from its areoles.
• New flowers will develop from the areoles at the top of the plant.
• Each areole on the prickly pear produces multiple spines.
• The botanist examined the areoles under a magnifying glass.
• Areoles are characteristic features that distinguish cacti from other succulents.
• The small areoles were arranged in spiral patterns around the stem.