unguiculate

[ uhng-gwik-ye-lit, -leyt ]

adjective

1. bearing or resembling a nail or claw.
2. Zoology. belonging or pertaining to the former superorder Unguiculata, comprising mammals having nails or claws, as distinguished from hoofs.
3. Botany. having a clawlike base, as certain petals.

noun

1. an unguiculate animal.

unguiculate

/ -ˌleɪt; ʌŋˈɡwɪkjʊlɪt /

adjective

1. (of mammals) having claws or nails
2. (of petals) having a clawlike base

noun

1. an unguiculate mammal

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguiculate¹

1795–1805; < New Latin unguiculātus, equivalent to Latin unguicul ( us ) fingernail ( ungu ( is ) ( unguis ) + -i- -i- + -culus -cule ¹ ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of unguiculate¹

C19: from New Latin unguiculātus, from Latin unguiculus, diminutive of unguis nail, claw

Example Sentences

Palpi four: anterior pair pediform, cheliform, or unguiculate; posterior pediform.

From Project Gutenberg

Foot broad, with two slender posterior appendages; operculum unguiculate.

From Project Gutenberg

Unguiculate petals are universal and strongly marked in the Pink tribe, as in Soapwort (Fig. 248).

From Project Gutenberg

Quadrupeds he was the first to divide into ungulate and unguiculate, hoofed and clawed, having himself invented the Latin words.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, for example, the tubulate corolla supposes the pre-existence of unguiculate petals.

From Project Gutenberg