How Do You Spell PINNATE?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪne͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "pinnate" can be a source of confusion for those not familiar with its spelling. Pronounced /ˈpɪneɪt/, the word comes from the Latin "pinna" meaning feather. It refers to a type of leaf that has a main stem with smaller leaflets branching off on either side, similar to the structure of a feather. The spelling of "pinnate" includes the letters "nn" rather than a single "n" to indicate the double consonant sound. This spelling rule is commonly seen in words of Latin origin.

PINNATE Meaning and Definition

  1. Pinnate is an adjective that is used to describe a type of arrangement or shape that appears similar to a feather. It refers to any structure or pattern that is composed of a series of smaller parts, called leaflets or lobes, attached along a single axis or midrib, creating a feather-like configuration. The term is commonly used in botany to describe the arrangement of the leaflets on a compound leaf.

    In the context of plants, a pinnate leaf consists of a central stalk known as a rachis, which bears numerous leaflets attached on opposite sides of the rachis, resembling the structure of a feather. The leaflets are typically arranged in a regular or symmetrical manner, sometimes referred to as the shape of a feather or the end of a bird's wing. The number of leaflets can vary greatly depending on the species, ranging from just a few to numerous leaflets.

    Pinnate is also occasionally used to describe other features in nature, such as the arrangement of feathers on bird wings or the branching pattern of certain trees. In a wider context, the term pinnate can be used metaphorically to describe any similar arrangement, such as the arrangement of veins or nerves in a particular pattern, or the organized alignment of various other components.

  2. In botany, noting a leaf which is decidedly longer than it is broad.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • In bot., feathered-applied to leaflets that are arranged on opposite sides of a common petiole.
    • In bot., a compound leaf having several leaflets attached to each side of a central rib; feathered; winged or lobed. Note.- If the leaflets are in pairs, they are equally-that is, pari-pinnate; if terminated by an odd leaflet, they are unequally-that is, impari-pinnate.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PINNATE

Etymology of PINNATE

The word "pinnate" comes from the Latin word "pinnatus", which means "feathered" or "winged". It is derived from the Latin word "pinna", which refers to a feather or wing, and is related to the same root as the English word "pinion". The term "pinnate" is used to describe a type of compound leaf arrangement or a feather-like arrangement of leaflets along a central axis, resembling the structure of a feather.

Similar spelling words for PINNATE

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