1. Biology. A small stalk or stalklike structure, especially one supporting or connecting an organ or other body part. Also called pedicel.
2. Medicine.
   1. A slender footlike or stemlike part, as at the base of a tumor.
   2. Part of a skin or tissue graft that is left temporarily attached to the original site.

[Latin pediculus, diminutive of pēs, ped-, foot. See pedicel.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.