plica

[plahy-kuh] /ˈplaɪ kə/
noun, plural plicae
[plahy-see, -kee] /ˈplaɪ si, -ki/ (Show IPA)
1.
Zoology, Anatomy. a fold or folding.
2.
Also called plica polonica
[puh-lon-i-kuh] /pəˈlɒn ɪ kə/ (Show IPA). Pathology. a matted, filthy condition of the hair, caused by disease, vermin, etc.
3.
(in medieval music) a vertical mark attached to a neume, standing for an interpolated melodic ornament.
Origin
1675-85; < Medieval Latin: a fold, back formation from Latin plicāre to fold, ply2
Related forms
plical, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for plica

plica

/ˈplaɪkə/
noun (pl) plicae (ˈplaɪsiː)
1.
(anatomy) Also called fold. a folding over of parts, such as a fold of skin, muscle, peritoneum, etc
2.
(pathol) a condition of the hair characterized by matting, filth, and the presence of parasites
Derived Forms
plical, adjective
Word Origin
C17: from Medieval Latin: a fold, from Latin plicāre to fold; see ply²
plica in Medicine

plica pli·ca (plī'kə)
n. pl. pli·cae (-kē)

  1. A fold or ridge, as of skin or membrane.

  2. See false membrane.

pli'cal adj.