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pectinate

American  
[pek-tuh-neyt] / ˈpɛk təˌneɪt /
Sometimes pectinated

adjective

  1. formed into or having closely parallel, toothlike projections that resemble the teeth of a comb.


pectinate British  
/ ˈpɛktɪˌneɪt /

adjective

  1. shaped like a comb

    pectinate antennae

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of pectinate

First recorded in 1785–95; from Latin pectinātus, past participle of pectināre “to comb, rake” equivalent to pectin-, stem of pecten “comb, rake” + -ātus past participle suffix; see pecten, -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the bulk of the internal surface of the right atrium is smooth, the depression of the fossa ovalis is medial, and the anterior surface demonstrates prominent ridges of muscle called the pectinate muscles.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The left atrium does not have pectinate muscles except in the auricle.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Bill usually straight and sharply pointed; lores naked; head feathered; tarsus with transverse scales; middle toe-nail pectinate or with a comblike edge.

From Color Key to North American Birds with bibiographical appendix by Chapman, Frank M.

Feet usually small and weak; toes, three in front, one behind; middle toe-nail pectinate or combed; bill small; mouth very large and usually beset by long bristles.

From Color Key to North American Birds with bibiographical appendix by Chapman, Frank M.

The iris becomes attached to the pectinate ligament and to the endothelium of Descemet's membrane.

From Glaucoma A Symposium Presented at a Meeting of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society, November 17, 1913 by Nance, Willis O.

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