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Dentate: meaning, definitions and examples

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dentate

 

[ ˈdΙ›nteΙͺt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

biological structure

Dentate refers to a serrated or jagged edge, typically describing anatomical features that have tooth-like projections or lobes. It is frequently used in biological contexts to describe leaves, structures, or organisms that exhibit a tooth-like appearance.

Synonyms

jagged, notched, serrated

Examples of usage

  • The dentate leaves of the plant helped in water retention.
  • The dentate gyrus is a part of the brain involved in memory formation.
  • Certain species of fish have dentate structures to aid in feeding.

Etymology

The term 'dentate' originates from the Latin word 'dentatus', which is derived from 'dens', meaning 'tooth'. The evolution of the word highlights its descriptive nature, as it conveys the visual likeness of shapes or structures resembling teeth. As the English language absorbed this term from Latin, its application broadened to encompass various fields, especially in botanical and anatomical contexts. The usage reflects the resemblance of certain leaves or biological features that possess a tooth-like outline, and it has become a standard descriptor in scientific literature. Over time, 'dentate' has found its place in various disciplines, showcasing the interconnectedness of language within the biological sciences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,712, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.