falcate
|fal-cate|
/ˈfælkeɪt/
sickle-shaped
Etymology
'falcate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'falcatus', where 'falx' meant 'sickle'.
'falcatus' (Late Latin/Medieval Latin) was borrowed into English as 'falcate' (modern English), preserving the sense of 'sickle-shaped'.
Initially, it referred to 'having or provided with a sickle' or 'sickle-shaped'; over time it evolved into the general descriptive sense 'sickle-shaped' or 'curved like a sickle' used in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make or become curved like a sickle; to bend into a falcate shape.
Over time the young leaves falcate as they develop.
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Adjective 1
shaped like a sickle; curved and tapering to a point (often used of leaves, claws, or wings).
The plant has falcate leaves that curl inward toward the tip.
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Last updated: 2025/10/08 16:59