turbinate

[tur-buh-nit, -neyt]

adjective

1. Also turbinated. having the shape of an inverted cone; scroll-like; whorled; spiraled.

2. Anatomy.,  of or relating to certain scroll-like, spongy bones of the nasal passages in humans and other vertebrates.

3. inversely conical.

noun

1. a turbinate shell.

2. Also called nasal concha. Anatomy.,  a turbinate bone.

turbinate

/ ˈtɜːbɪnəl, -ˌneɪt, ˈtɜːbɪnɪt /

adjective

1. anatomy of or relating to any of the thin scroll-shaped bones situated on the walls of the nasal passages

2. shaped like a spiral or scroll

3. (esp of the shells of certain molluscs) shaped like an inverted cone

noun

1. Also called: nasal concha. a turbinate bone

2. a turbinate shell

Other Word Forms

• turbination noun
• nonturbinate adjective
• nonturbinated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbinate¹

1655–65; < Latin turbinātus shaped like a top, equivalent to turbin- (stem of turbō a top; turbine ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of turbinate¹

C17: from Latin turbō spinning top

Example Sentences

The most surprising part, he adds, is that cats “have a lot more of those turbinates, compared to rats or humans.”

Read more on Scientific American

All mammals have some ability to do this, even humans, thanks to scroll-like bones called turbinates that increase the surface area inside the nose.

Read more on National Geographic

As the inhaled air passes through the nose, it is moisturized and humidified thanks to a complex multiple layer structure called turbinates.

Read more on US News

The turbinates might have offered other benefits as well.

Read more on Science Magazine

Virus titers were determined in the nasal turbinates, trachea, and lungs collected postmortem from the euthanized ferrets.

Read more on Science Magazine