dendrite

noun

Etymology: From Ancient Greek δενδρίτης (dendrítēs, “of or pertaining to a tree”). Equivalent to dendr- + -ite.

1. A slender projection of a nerve cell which conducts nerve impulses from a synapse to the body of the cell; a dendron.

   “Little copses of television antennas. Whiplike, graceful thrilling metal dendrites drawing images from the air, bringing brotherhood, communion to immured apartment people.”

   “A typical brain neuron has perhaps a thousand little wires, called dendrites, which connect it with its fellows.”

2. Slender cell process emanating from the cell bodies of dendritic cells and follicular dendritic cells of the immune system.
3. Tree-like structure of crystals growing as material crystallizes
4. A hermit who lived in a tree.