spatulate

/'spætjulə/ Cách viết khác : (spatulate) /'spætjulit/ (spatuliform) /'spætjulifɔ:m/

Thân thiện

The botanist sketches a spatulate leaf in her field notebook.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a broad, rounded apex and a narrow base: This term is primarily used in botany and biology to describe a shape, especially of a leaf or a body part, that resembles a spatula. It is characterized by a wide, rounded top that tapers down to a narrower base or stem.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The plant was identified by its distinctive, spatulate leaves.
  • The bird's tail feathers are spatulate, which aids in its unique flight pattern.

Advanced Usage

• In technical descriptions: The term is used precisely in scientific fields like botany, zoology, and anatomy to describe specific shapes.
  • The fossil showed a spatulate appendage, suggesting a specialized feeding mechanism.

Variants and Related Words

• Spatuliform (adj): Having the form of a spatula; an alternative term with the same meaning.
  • The spatuliform structure was clearly visible under the microscope.

Synonyms

• Spoon-shaped: Having a shape similar to a spoon, often used interchangeably in less technical contexts.
• Paddle-shaped: Broad and rounded at one end, tapering at the other.

Antonyms

• Lanceolate: Shaped like a lance head; narrow and tapering to a point at both ends.
• Linear: Long and narrow with parallel sides.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (of a leaf shape) having a broad rounded apex and a narrow base

Từ đồng nghĩa

• spatula-shaped