n. (pl. laminae) 1. a thin membrane or layer of tissue. 2. the section of the posterior arch of a *vertebra located between the central spinous process and the transverse process on each side.
n. an osmotic dilator applied to the cervix before surgically induced abortion in the second trimester (15–23 weeks of pregnancy). Pretreatment with prostaglandins can also be used, but laminaria is preferred after 18 weeks gestation in order to avoid trauma to the cervix and uterus.... laminaria