1. the angle between a leaf or branch and the stem or trunk from which it grows
Usage: botany

Examples

• The flower buds develop in the axil of each leaf.
• New shoots often emerge from the axil where the branch meets the main stem.
• Botanists examine the axil to identify where secondary growth occurs.
• The plant's leaves were arranged so that flowers appeared in every axil.
• In the axil of the upper leaves, small clusters of berries formed.