1. Plural of flabellum; fan-shaped objects or structures, especially in religious or ceremonial contexts.
Usage: Primarily used in historical, religious, or architectural contexts; Latin plural form
2. In biology, fan-shaped anatomical structures or appendages found in certain organisms.
Usage: Technical/scientific usage

Examples

• The ceremonial flabella were carried by attendants during the papal procession.
• Ancient Roman flabella were often made of feathers or silk stretched over a frame.
• The church's collection included ornate flabella from the medieval period.
• In zoology, some crustaceans possess flabella-like structures for filter feeding.
• The museum displayed several flabella used in religious rituals throughout history.