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Glite Dictionary
biconcave

biconcave

9.4
Shaped with two inward curves, one on each side
  • adjective
  • /ˌbaɪ.kɒnˈkeɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bicóncavo
  • The biconcave lens focused the light perfectly.

Examples

  • The disc was designed with a biconcave profile to mimic the shape of certain cells.

  • A biconcave lens diverges light rays as they pass through it.

  • Red blood cells have a distinctive biconcave shape that increases their surface area.

  • A biconcave shape is essential for this design.

  • Biconcave lenses are often used in eyeglasses to correct vision.

  • The red blood cell is biconcave, allowing it to efficiently transport oxygen.

  • Because of its biconcave shape, the red blood cell can easily pass through tiny capillaries.

Synonyms

concavo-concave
vsbiconcave
  • Specialized
9.9

Curved inward on both sides like two shallow bowls facing each other

is applied to the same shape but also used for red blood cells

How Concave

biconcave
  • Specialized
9.4
reentrant
  • Specialized
9.9
convex shape
  • Specialized
4.3

Surface Forms

biconcave positive

Morphology

biconcave = concave (transparent) = bi + concave

The word is formed by adding the prefix bi- to concave, giving the readily interpretable meaning 'concave on both sides'.

Etymology

Biconcave comes from the part bi- which means 'two', like in bicycle, and concave which means 'curved in'. So biconcave means 'curved in on both sides', which is why we use it for lenses or red blood cells that are hollow in the middle on each side.