spatulate

[ spach-uh-lit, -leyt ]

adjective

1. shaped like a spatula; rounded more or less like a spoon.
2. Botany. having a broad, rounded end and a narrow, attenuate base, as a leaf.

spatulate

/ ˈspætjʊlɪt /

adjective

1. shaped like a spatula
2. Alsospathulate botany having a narrow base and a broad rounded apex

   a spatulate leaf

Other Words From

• sub·spatu·late adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spatulate¹

From the New Latin word spatulātus, dating back to 1750–60. See spatula, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Short, spatulate fingers, with a broad palm, appear to be a feature of the successful engineer.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a characteristic hand, broad, with spatulate fingernails and a black star on the fleshy ball between forefinger and thumb.

From Project Gutenberg

Behold the brands of the true criminal—'enormous zygomae,' 'ear lobes attached to the cheek,' 'spatulate fingernails——'

From Project Gutenberg

Every hand artist will be found to have spatulate-fingered hands—in short, muscular hands.

From Project Gutenberg

Note the spatulate terminations and the spines of the shaft, 11.

From Project Gutenberg