['vi:l?m]
¦ noun (plural vela -l?)
1. Zoology a membrane, typically bordering a cavity, especially in certain molluscs, medusae, and other invertebrates.
2. Botany the veil of a toadstool.
3. Anatomy the soft palate.
Origin
C18: from L., lit. 'sail, curtain, covering, veil'.