quincuncial

or quin·cun·xial

[ kwin-kuhn-shuhl, kwing- ]

adjective

1. consisting of, arranged, or formed like a quincunx or quincunxes.
2. Botany. noting a five-ranked arrangement of leaves.

quincuncial

/ kwɪnˈkʌnʃəl /

adjective

1. consisting of or having the appearance of a quincunx
2. (of the petals or sepals of a five-membered corolla or calyx in the bud) arranged so that two members overlap another two completely and the fifth overlaps on one margin and is itself overlapped on the other

Derived Forms

• quinˈcuncially, adverb

Other Words From

• quin·cuncial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of quincuncial¹

1595–1605; < Latin quīncunciālis, equivalent to quīncunci- (stem of quīncunx quincunx ) + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

Towards the tower Criere stood the orchard full of all fruit-trees, set and ranged in a quincuncial order.

From Project Gutenberg

Pores subregular, circular, gradually increasing in size, disposed in six to nine quincuncial alternating longitudinal rows.

From Project Gutenberg

We pretend not to multiply vegetable divisions by Quincuncial and Reticulate plants; or erect a new Phytology.

From Project Gutenberg

Scales on the back rounded, quincuncial, imbricate; those on the belly similar to those on the back and on the sides.

From Project Gutenberg

Pores regular, circular, quincuncial, twice as broad as the bars.

From Project Gutenberg