subulate

[soo-byuh-lit, -leyt]

adjective

Biology.

1. slender, somewhat cylindrical, and tapering to a point; awl-shaped.

subulate

/ ˈsuːbjəlɪt, -ˌleɪt /

adjective

1. (esp of plant parts) tapering to a point; awl-shaped

Word History and Origins

Origin of subulate¹

1750–60; < New Latin sūbulātus, equivalent to Latin sūbul ( a ) awl + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of subulate¹

C18: from New Latin subulatus like an awl, from Latin sūbula awl

Example Sentences

Tentacula depressed, subulate, at the external base of which are the eyes.—Adanson.

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Antenn� cylindrical, thickest near the middle, the terminal half subulate; articulations numerous, very short, hardly perceptible.

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Creeping, simply pinnate; leaves concave, obtuse, decurved; lower lobe oblong-clavate, emarginate at base; underleaves oblong, flat, 2-cleft, the sinus obtuse; involucral leaves unequally 2-cleft, the dorsal segment oblong, pointed, nearly entire, the ventral subulate; perianth pyriform, 3-sided, obtusely keeled beneath.

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In this species there are rudimentary subulate petals, alternate with the calyx-lobes.

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Filaments distinct or nearly so on the ring at base of corolla, alternating with 5 subulate staminodia; anthers linear.

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