areolate
|a-re-o-late|
🇺🇸
/ˈɛəriəleɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈeəriəleɪt/
divided into small areas
Etymology
'areolate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'areola', where 'areola' meant 'small open space' (a diminutive of 'area').
'areolate' developed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'areolatus' (meaning 'made into small spaces') and entered English in scientific usage as 'areolate'.
Initially, it meant 'having or consisting of small open spaces', and over time it has retained that sense, coming to be used broadly for surfaces or structures 'divided into small areas'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to divide or mark into areolae; to form small compartments or spaces on a surface.
Over time the fungus can areolate the fruiting body, producing a pattern of tiny compartments.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
divided into small spaces or areas (areolae); marked by small, often rounded compartments or a netlike pattern.
The areolate surface of the lichen helped the biologist identify the species.
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Last updated: 2025/10/11 02:32