pulvinate

[ puhl-vuh-neyt ]

adjective

1. having the shape of a cushion; resembling a cushion; cushion-shaped.
2. having a pulvinus.
3. Also . Architecture. (of a frieze or the like) having a convex surface from top to bottom.

pulvinate

/ ˈpʌlvɪˌneɪt /

adjective

1. architect (of a frieze) curved convexly; having a swelling
2. botany
   1. shaped like a cushion
   2. (of a leafstalk) having a pulvinus

Other Words From

• pul·vi·nate·ly adverb
• un·pul·vi·nate adjective
• un·pul·vi·nat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvinate¹

1815–25; < Latin pulvīnātus cushioned, equivalent to pulvīn ( us ) cushion + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvinate¹

C19: from Latin pulvīnātus cushion-shaped

Example Sentences

Pulvinate: Surface the segment of a circle, but decidedly convex (Fig. 143, d).

From Project Gutenberg

The pileus is pulvinate-ungulate, much dilated, deeply sulcate; cinnamon, then brown or blackish; very much cracked or rimose.

From Project Gutenberg

Patouillard claims that Hypoxylon melanaspis has same spores and structure, and is the pulvinate form of Camillea Leprieurii.

From Project Gutenberg

The pileus is somewhat coriaceous, firm, pulvinate, villous.

From Project Gutenberg