cuneate

[ kyoo-nee-it, -eyt ]

adjective

1. having or being in the shape of a wedge; wedge-shaped.
2. (of leaves) triangular at the base and tapering to a point.

cuneate

/ ˈkjuːnɪɪt; -ˌeɪt /

adjective

1. wedge-shaped: cuneate leaves are attached at the narrow end

Derived Forms

• ˈcuneately, adverb

Other Words From

• cu·ne·ate·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuneate¹

1800–10; < Latin cuneātus, equivalent to cuneā ( re ) to wedge, secure by wedging, become wedge-shaped + -tus past participle suffix; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cuneate¹

C19: from Latin cuneāre to make wedge-shaped, from cuneus a wedge

Example Sentences

At the time of metamorphosis, young are dark brown with specks of black and with a dark, cuneate, leaflike middorsal mark.

From Project Gutenberg

Cuneate (Fig. 91, c): Rods swollen slightly at one pole and more or less pointed at the other; wedge-shaped.

From Project Gutenberg

Valve symmetrical in zone and valve view along the sagittal line, but asymmetrical to the transverse axis, cuneate.

From Project Gutenberg

Frustules in zone view cuneate, adnate in circular or spiral fasci, at length becoming free.

From Project Gutenberg

Valve symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, more or less cuneate; cost and stri transverse.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trilateral