✋ Wrist bone ⚪ Rounded end

capitate

9.9

Rounded and swollen at the tip like a small head

adjective
/ˈkæpɪteɪt/

Specialized

: capitado

The capitate gland is easily recognized by its swollen, rounded tip.

Examples

Look at the capitate structure of this flower.
Certain fungi develop a capitate structure at the end of their stalks.
The flower cluster had a capitate form, resembling a small rounded head.
The capitate shape of the flower's head is unique.
The flower has a capitate head, making it easy to identify in the garden.
The artist created a capitate sculpture that features a bulbous top.
The insect's antennae are capitate, which helps it sense its environment.

Antonyms

tapered

1 4.5

Becoming narrower toward one end like a pencil or table leg

Compounds

capitate bone

Specialized

6.6

A large bone in the middle of the wrist that connects to the base of the middle finger

How Rounded

rounded

1 2.4

bulbous

10 5.5

capitate

Specialized

9.9

tapered

1 4.5

pointed

1 1.8

Surface Forms

capitate positive

Morphology

capitate = capit + ate

The element 'capit' is a Latin combining form (not a standalone English word), so an average B1 learner will not transparently relate this form to the everyday English word 'head' and thus cannot reliably infer the meaning.

Etymology

Capitate comes from the Latin word caput meaning 'head', so a capitate part ends in a small rounded 'head' or knob. That's why scientists use capitate to describe something with an abruptly enlarged, head-like tip.