demilune

n. [ F. demi- lune. ] 1. (Fort.) A work constructed beyond the main ditch of a fortress, and in front of the curtain between two bastions, intended to defend the curtain; a ravelin. See Ravelin. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physiol.) A crescentic mass of granular protoplasm present in the salivary glands. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Each crescent is made of polyhedral cells which under some circumstances are supposed to give rise to new salivary cells. [ 1913 Webster ]