turbinate

American  

[tur-buh-nit, -neyt] / ˈtɜr bə nɪt, -ˌneɪt /

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.

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noun

1. a turbinate shell.

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

turbinate British  

/ 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

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noun

1. Also called: nasal concha.  a turbinate bone

2. a turbinate shell

Other Word Forms

• nonturbinate
  adjective
• nonturbinated
  adjective
• turbination
  noun

Etymology

Origin of turbinate

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

Example Sentences

Researchers also identified signs of a structure known as a respiratory turbinate inside the nose of Triceratops.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026

Core rather large, turbinate, open, clasping; Seeds numerous, angular, dark; Flesh yellow, tender, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor very sweet, rich; Quality good to very good; Use, kitchen, table; Season, October.

From American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.

Core rather large, regular, turbinate, closed, clasping; Seeds numerous, small, plump, long; Flesh greenish-yellow, firm; Flavor sub-acid, rich, aromatic; Quality very good; Use, table and kitchen; Season, March and April.

From American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.

Sporangium obovoid to turbinate, yellow or olive yellow, polished stipitate; the wall firm, thickened on the inner surface by an olivaceous layer, breaking away from above downward, leaving an irregular cup-shaped base.

From The Myxomycetes of the Miami Valley, Ohio by Morgan, A. P. (Andrew Price)

Core turbinate, regular, closed, meeting the eye; Seeds numerous, pointed, long; Flesh yellow, crisp, fine-grained, juicy; Flavor sub-acid, rich, aromatic, very agreeable; Quality best; Season, November to January.

From American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.