lunules

Lunules is the plural form of lunule, a term that originates from Latin lunula, a diminutive of luna meaning moon. In different disciplines it designates crescent-shaped forms or objects, often with no relation to each other beyond the shared crescent motif.

In anatomy, the lunula is the pale, whitish half-moon shape at the base of a fingernail. It marks the visible portion of the nail matrix from which the nail grows. The lunula is usually more or less visible on some nails and less so on others. Variations in size or appearance can occur naturally, and abrupt changes can be a sign of health issues, though many factors influence visibility.

In geometry, a lunule (singular) is a crescent-shaped plane figure bounded by two circular arcs. Lunules were studied in ancient Greek mathematics, most famously in the work related to Hippocrates of Chios, who showed that certain lunules have areas equal to that of a square, contributing to early investigations into areas and constructibility.

In archaeology and jewelry, lunules are crescent-shaped beads or pendants, often made from metal or stone. They appear in various cultures from the Bronze Age onward and can function as ornaments, trade items, or components of larger regalia. Their distribution and craftsmanship provide insight into trade networks and cultural affiliations.

In architectural and decorative contexts, the term can describe small crescent-shaped ornaments or moldings, though lunette is more commonly used for crescent-shaped spaces in architecture. Lunules capturing the crescent shape appear across art and design, reflecting a long-standing symbolic association with the moon.