pulvinus

n., pl., -ni (-nī').
A cushionlike swelling at the base of the stalk of a leaf or leaflet.

[Latin pulvīnus, cushion.]

1. The baluster at the side of an Ionic capital.
2. An impost block, a dosseret.

pulvinus, 1

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Cushion, pad.

• p. dentalis — the dental pad which replaces the upper incisors in the mouth of ruminants.
• p. digitalis — the digital cushion, a pad of fat, white fibrous and elastic tissue located between the distal phalanx and the sole and frog of the hoof of the horse.