velum

n 1: membrane of the young sporophore of various mushrooms

extending from the margin of the cap to the stem and is

ruptured by growth; represented in mature mushroom by an

annulus around the stem and sometimes a cortina on the

margin of the cap [syn: {partial veil}]

2: membrane initially completely investing the young sporophore

of various mushrooms that is ruptured by growth;

represented in the mature mushroom by a volva around lower

part of stem and scales on upper surface of the cap [syn:

{universal veil}]

3: a muscular flap that closes off the nasopharynx during

swallowing or speaking [syn: {soft palate}]