turbinate

[ tur-buh-nit, -neyt ]

adjective

1. Also turbi·nated. 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

/ ˈtɜːbɪnɪt; ˈtɜːbɪnəl; -ˌneɪt /

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 callednasal concha a turbinate bone
2. a turbinate shell

Derived Forms

• ˌturbiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• turbi·nation noun
• non·turbi·nate adjective
• non·turbi·nated 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

Achenes short, turbinate to linear; pappus simple, of numerous unequal bristles.

From Project Gutenberg

Turbinate or top-shaped, and pyriform or pear-shaped, are especially applicable to pears, and seldom to apples.

From Project Gutenberg

Spikelets are 2- to 3-flowered, distichously racemed, narrowly turbinate, villous.

From Project Gutenberg

Your tone passages may be partly closed by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or enlarged turbinate bones of the nose.

From Project Gutenberg

Fruit, a little turbinate, or top-shaped, somewhat resembling a quince.

From Project Gutenberg