carinate
|car-i-nate|
/ˈkærɪneɪt/
keel-shaped; having a central ridge
Etymology
'carinate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'carina', where 'carina' meant 'keel' (the keel of a ship).
'carinate' derives from Medieval/New Latin 'carinatus' (meaning 'provided with a keel'), from Latin 'carina'; it entered scientific English (anatomy, zoology, botany) as 'carinate' in Modern English usage.
Initially it referred specifically to a ship's keel or to being furnished with a keel; over time it came to be used more broadly in scientific contexts to mean 'having a keel-like ridge' on anatomical or botanical structures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make or become keel-shaped; to form a ridge like a keel (rare, chiefly technical).
In certain mollusks the shell may carinate as it grows, producing a pronounced ridge.
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Adjective 1
having a keel or a keel-shaped ridge; shaped like or bearing a carina (a central ridge). Commonly used in anatomy, zoology, and botany to describe structures with a longitudinal ridge.
The bird's sternum is carinate, allowing strong flight muscles to attach.
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Last updated: 2025/09/05 06:40