pinnate

[ pin-eyt, -it ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. (of a leaf ) having leaflets or primary divisions arranged on each side of a common stalk:

   the pinnate leaves of a palm tree.

2. resembling a feather, as in construction or arrangement; having parts arranged on each side of a common axis:

   This type of sea cucumber has a mouth surrounded by up to 25 pinnate tentacles.

pinnate

/ ˈpɪnɪt; ˈpɪneɪt /

adjective

1. like a feather in appearance
2. (of compound leaves) having the leaflets growing opposite each other in pairs on either side of the stem

pinnate

/ pĭn′āt′ /

1. Having parts or divisions arranged on each side of a common axis in the manner of a feather. Ash, hickory, and walnut trees have pinnate leaves.

Derived Forms

• pinˈnation, noun
• ˈpinnately, adverb

Other Words From

• pinnate·ly pinnat·ed·ly adverb
• multi·pinnate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinnate¹

First recorded in 1695–1705, pinnate is from the Latin word pinnātus “feathered, winged.” See pinna, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinnate¹

C18: from Latin pinnātus, from pinna feather

Example Sentences

These branches were clad with the delicate pinnate leaves that characterise the family of the mimosas.

From Project Gutenberg

The fern has large pinnate fronds, and is thus related to the mountain ash and the mimosæ.

From Project Gutenberg

These are sometimes once, and on other occasions, twice pinnate.

From Project Gutenberg

The frond is bi-pinnate, and the pinnæ are long and taper to a fine point.

From Project Gutenberg

The origin is by two distinct heads, each of which is pinnate.

From Project Gutenberg