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

• turbination
  noun
• nonturbinate
  adjective
• nonturbinated
  adjective

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

See Examples For:

turbinate

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

From Science Daily ● Feb. 22, 2026

The following are a few of the best figs; those marked F, are good forcing sorts, and those marked W. suitable for walls:— Agen: brownish-green, turbinate.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 3 "Fenton, Edward" to "Finistere" by Various

Bulb depressed or turbinate, marginate, stem fleshy, fibrous; veil inferior, springing from margin of bulb; pileus equally fleshy; gills subsinuate.

From European Fungus Flora: Agaricaceae by Massee, George

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.

Core medium, turbinate, regular, slightly open, clasping; Seeds numerous, angular, pointed; Flesh yellow, breaking, juicy; Flavor very sweet; Quality good to very good; Use, baking, market; Season, December and January.

From American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.