1. A small cavity or pit-like depression, especially in anatomy or biology.
Usage: technical; biology/anatomy
2. In cell biology, a small invagination of the cell membrane involved in endocytosis.
Usage: technical; cell biology

Examples

• The caveola is a specialized structure found in the plasma membrane of many cell types.
• Caveolae play an important role in cellular transport and signaling.
• Under the electron microscope, caveolae appear as small flask-shaped invaginations.
• The protein caveolin is essential for the formation and function of caveolae.
• Researchers study caveola dynamics to understand how cells internalize molecules.