carinous
|car-in-ous|
/ˈkærɪnəs/
keel-shaped; having a ridge
Etymology
'carinous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'carina', where 'carina' meant 'keel'.
'carinous' developed via Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'carinatus' (meaning 'having a keel') and through scientific New Latin/adaptations (e.g. 'carinate') into the English adjective 'carinous'.
Initially it meant 'of or pertaining to a keel'; over time it has come to be used in specialized anatomical, zoological, and botanical senses meaning 'having a keel-like ridge'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a keel or keel-like ridge; shaped like or bearing a pronounced median ridge (used of ships, shells, anatomical structures such as a bird's sternum).
The gull's carinous sternum provided the strong attachment point for powerful flight muscles.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/09 07:59