How Do You Spell LACINIATE?

Pronunciation: [lasˈɪnɪˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "laciniate" is spelled as l-a-c-i-n-i-a-t-e. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ləˈsɪnɪeɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced as "luh", and the second syllable as "sin." The stress falls on the second syllable. The letter "c" is pronounced as "s," whereas "i" and "a" make a short "i" sound. The ending "-ate" is pronounced as "ayt." This word means to divide or cut into narrow, long strips or slits. It is often used to describe the leaves of certain plants.

LACINIATE Meaning and Definition

  1. Laciniate is an adjective that describes something with a deeply divided or jagged margin, such as leaves, petals, or flower parts. The term derives from the Latin word "laciniatus," which means "torn into strips" or "lacerated." It refers to the characteristic of having elongated, narrow, and often irregular lobes or segments resembling torn strips or divisions.

    In botany, laciniate describes leaf margins or other structures that have sharp, irregular, deeply incised indentations or serrations. This trait is commonly found in certain plant families, such as the daisies (Asteraceae), where laciniate leaves are relatively common. Ferns are another example of plants often displaying laciniate fronds, which have a delicate, dissected appearance.

    Laciniate structures may serve various purposes for plants. They can enhance the surface area, providing greater opportunities for gas exchange or water absorption. These deeply divided margins can also act as adaptations to windy conditions, reducing drag and aiding in dispersal. Additionally, laciniate forms may have evolved to deter herbivores through their sharp or unpleasant texture, or to attract pollinators through their unusual shape or color.

    Overall, the term laciniate is used in various scientific disciplines, including botany, horticulture, and morphology, to describe the intricate, jagged, or deeply divided characteristics of certain plant structures.

  2. Adorned with fringes; in bot., irregularly cut into narrow segments; slashed.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LACINIATE

  • kaciniate
  • paciniate
  • oaciniate
  • lzciniate
  • lsciniate
  • lwciniate
  • lqciniate
  • laxiniate
  • laviniate
  • lafiniate
  • ladiniate
  • lacuniate
  • lacjniate
  • lackniate
  • laconiate
  • lac9niate
  • lac8niate
  • lacibiate
  • lacimiate

Etymology of LACINIATE

The word "laciniate" derives from the Latin word "lacinia", meaning "a flap or a tatter". The Latin term is derived from the verb "lacere", which means "to tear". The suffix "-ate" is a common suffix used to form adjectives in English from Latin roots. Consequently, "laciniate" evolved to describe something that is torn or divided into irregular, narrow segments or strips.

Similar spelling word for LACINIATE

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