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Ovate: meaning, definitions and examples

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ovate

 

[ ˈoʊveɪt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

shape description

The term 'ovate' is used to describe a specific shape resembling an egg or an oval. This shape is wider at the base and tapers to a point at the top. Ovate is commonly used in various fields such as botany, anatomy, and art to characterize objects, leaves, or structures that exhibit this form. The term can also imply a smooth, gentle curvature when referring to surfaces or profiles.

Synonyms

egg-shaped, elliptical, oval.

Examples of usage

  • The leaves of the plant are ovate and smooth to the touch.
  • The artist prefers an ovate form for the sculpture to provide a sense of balance.
  • In botanical nomenclature, many species have ovate leaves.
  • The cell structure is often described as ovate in histology.

Etymology

The word 'ovate' originates from the Latin word 'ovatus', meaning 'egg-shaped'. This term is derived from 'ovum', which means 'egg'. The use of ovate to describe shape can be traced back to Latin literature where it was used in various contexts, including the description of natural forms like leaves and fruits. The connection to the common shape of an egg has made the word resonate across different languages and fields of study. Ovate has seen a steady application in botanical and anatomical terminologies ever since its adoption into the English language during the late Middle Ages. Its precise definition and usage have allowed it to maintain relevance in modern scientific descriptions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,435, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.