Acuminate: meaning, definitions and examples
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acuminate
[ əˈkjuː.mə.neɪt ]
sharp point
Acuminate describes something that is tapering to a sharp point. This term is often used in botany to refer to leaves or other plant structures that have a narrow, pointed end.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The acuminate leaves of the plant give it an elegant appearance.
- Many trees in the temperate zone have acuminate leaf shapes.
- The acuminate design of the blade enhances its cutting ability.
to sharpen
To acuminate is to make something sharp or pointed, often used in a figurative sense to describe sharpening the mind or skills.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She worked hard to acuminate her skills in painting.
- Reading extensively can help to acuminate your critical thinking.
- He sought to acuminate his argument with concrete evidence.
Etymology
The term 'acuminate' originates from the Latin word 'acuminare', meaning 'to sharpen' or 'to make pointed', which itself is derived from 'acumen', referring to a point or climax. In English, the usage of 'acuminate' can be traced back to the late 17th century, where it was first used in botanical contexts to describe the shape of leaves. Over time, its meaning has broadened to include not only physical sharpness but also the idea of intellectual sharpness or refinement. The word's growth in the English language reflects a blending of literal and metaphorical uses, emphasizing both tangible and abstract notions of pointedness and precision.