Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Being abruptly enlarged and globose at the tip: In botany and anatomy, describes a structure that ends in a distinct, rounded, head-like part.

2. Noun:

   • The wrist bone with a rounded head shape that articulates with the 3rd metacarpus: In anatomy, the largest bone of the wrist (carpus), characterized by its rounded proximal surface which articulates with the lunate bone.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The capitate inflorescence is a key identifying feature of this plant species.
  • Under the microscope, the capitate glandular hairs were clearly visible.

• Noun:

  • A fracture of the capitate can significantly impair wrist function.
  • The capitate is one of the eight carpal bones in the human hand.

Advanced Usage

• In Botanical Terminology: Used to describe flowers or other plant structures that form a dense, rounded cluster.

  • The flowers are arranged in a capitate cluster at the stem's apex.

• In Medical/Anatomical Context: Used to specify the location of pain, injury, or surgical procedures.

  • The MRI revealed avascular necrosis of the capitate.

Variants and Related Words

• Capitation (n): A payment or tax assessed per person.
  • The clinic receives a fixed capitation fee for each enrolled patient.
• Capitulum (n): A dense cluster of flowers, as in composite plants; also an anatomical term for a small head-like structure.
  • The dandelion's flower head is a capitulum.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Head-shaped, globose, rounded.
• Noun: Os capitatum (Latin anatomical term).

Related Phrases

• Capitate bone: The full anatomical term for the noun form.
  • The capitate bone is central to the wrist's mobility.
• Capitate hair: A type of plant hair with a glandular, rounded tip.
  • The leaf's surface is covered in capitate hairs that secrete essential oils.

Adjective

1. being abruptly enlarged and globose at the tip

Noun

1. the wrist bone with a rounded head shape that articulates with the 3rd metacarpus