Vesiculate: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'vesicula,' meaning 'little bladder' or 'bubble.'
• It entered English in the early 19th century, mainly used in scientific contexts.
• The term has roots in biological sciences, referring specifically to how cells can form pockets.

Science

• In plant biology, vesiculate structures can influence how gases are exchanged through leaves.
• Some volcanic rocks exhibit vesiculate properties due to gas bubbles trapped during the cooling process.
• Research in microbiology often uses vesiculate cells to study cellular interactions and functions.

Art and Design

• Artists may use vesiculate techniques to create textured surfaces in paintings or sculptures.
• In glassblowing, creating vesiculate glass involves trapping air bubbles within the glass for a unique effect.
• Certain pottery techniques yield vesiculate textures that resemble natural elements, adding aesthetic value.

Medicine

• In dermatology, vesiculate lesions on the skin can indicate various health conditions, including infections.
• Vesiculate features may be studied to understand fluid dynamics in human tissues.
• Certain treatments may involve creating vesiculate areas to help in drug delivery mechanisms.

Geology

• Vesiculate rocks, like pumice, have specific properties that make them lighter than many other types of rock.
• Studying vesicular patterns in rocks can reveal information about the conditions during volcanic eruptions.
• Geologists use vesiculate formations to assess past geological activity and understand earth processes.