ovate
|o-vate|
🇺🇸
/ˈoʊveɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈəʊveɪt/
egg-shaped
Etymology
'ovate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ovatus', where 'ovum' meant 'egg'.
'ovate' changed from Late Latin 'ovatus' (meaning 'egg-shaped') and entered English via scientific/Latin usage, becoming the modern English word 'ovate'.
Initially, it meant 'having the form of an egg', and over time it has retained this meaning in botanical and descriptive usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a thing that is ovate in shape (used rarely; typically in botanical descriptions to mean an ovate leaf or organ).
The specimen included several ovate among its leaves.
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Adjective 1
egg-shaped; having the outline of an egg, especially with the broader end at the base (used of leaves, shells, or other biological structures).
The plant produces ovate leaves that help conserve water.
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Last updated: 2025/09/17 22:25