Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a strongly waved margin alternately concave and convex: Describes a shape, especially a leaf margin, that curves inward and outward in a series of smooth, wave-like bends.
   • Curved or curving in and out; wiggly lines: More generally, describes a line or form that follows a winding, undulating path.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The leaf of the oak tree has a sinuate edge, creating a beautiful, wavy outline.
  • The map showed a sinuate river winding through the valley.
  • The artist drew a sinuate line across the canvas to suggest movement.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In botany, "sinuate" is a precise term to describe leaf margins that are deeply and smoothly wavy, not sharply toothed.
  • The species is easily identified by its sinuate leaves.
• Descriptive Language: Used in descriptive writing to evoke a sense of graceful, flowing curves.
  • The path became more sinuate as it climbed the hillside.

Variants and Related Words

• Sinuosity (n): The quality of being sinuate; a bend or curve.
  • The sinuosity of the coastline made for a dramatic view.
• Sinuous (adj): Having many curves and turns; lithe and graceful. (Note: "Sinuous" is more common and often used interchangeably with "sinuate" in non-technical contexts, but it can also imply a supple, graceful quality of movement.)
  • The dancer moved with sinuous grace.

Synonyms

• Wavy: Having a series of curves.
• Undulating: Moving with a smooth, wave-like motion; having a wavy form.
• Serpentine: Winding and twisting like a snake.

Antonyms

• Straight: Extending uniformly in one direction without a curve.
• Linear: Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line.

Adjective

1. having a strongly waved margin alternately concave and convex
2. curved or curving in and out
   • wiggly lines