flabelliform

flabelliform

The leaf of the ginkgo tree is distinctly flabelliform.

Definition

Adjective: Shaped like a fan; fan-shaped.

Usage Examples
  • (The leaves are shaped like a fan.)
  • (The fossil has a fan-like shape.)
Advanced Usage
  • In biology: Used to describe structures (e.g., leaves, fins, or petals) that are broad at the apex and narrow at the base, resembling an open fan.
    • The flabelliform arrangement of the coral branches allowed for efficient filtering of nutrients. (The fan-shaped branching pattern facilitated feeding.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Flabellate (adj): fan-shaped; a synonym for flabelliform.

    • The flabellate pattern of the shell was studied under a microscope. (The fan-shaped pattern was examined.)
  • Flabellum (n): a fan-shaped structure or organ, especially in biology.

    • The flabellum of the insect's antenna helps in sensing air currents. (The fan-shaped part of the antenna.)
Synonyms
  • Fan-shaped: having the form of a fan.
  • Flabellate: fan-shaped; used interchangeably with flabelliform.
Related Idioms
  • None commonly associated with "flabelliform" as it is a technical term.