1. A keel-shaped anatomical structure or ridge, especially in biology and anatomy.
Usage: technical; anatomy
2. The fused lower petals of a papilionaceous flower (as in peas and beans).
Usage: botany
3. A constellation in the southern sky, representing the keel of the ship Argo.
Usage: astronomy; capitalized

Examples

• The carina of the trachea divides the airway into the left and right bronchi.
• In legume flowers, the carina protects the reproductive organs.
• Astronomers study Carina for its bright stars and nebulae.
• The carina is a ridge-like projection found in many bird skeletons.
• The ship's keel inspired the name of the constellation Carina.