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capsulate

capsulate

8.6
Having a small protective covering, like some seeds or spores
  • adjective
  • /ˈkæpsjʊleɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : capsulado
  • The capsulate seeds are released only when the capsule matures and splits open.

Examples

  • Certain mushrooms produce capsulate spores that are protected from environmental stress.

  • Under the microscope, the capsulate structure of the pollen grains is clearly visible.

  • These seeds are capsulate.

  • Look at the capsulate seeds!

  • Certain mushrooms produce capsulate spores that are protected from environmental stress.

  • The capsulate seeds are released only when the capsule matures and splits open.

  • Under the microscope, the capsulate structure of the pollen grains is clearly visible.

Synonyms

capsulated
vscapsulate
  • Specialized
7.5

Having a small case that keeps seeds or spores inside until it opens

is the same meaning but typically appears as an alternative participial form

Surface Forms

capsulate positive

Morphology

capsulate = capsule (transparent) = capsule + ate

Adjectival use formed from 'capsule' with the productive suffix '-ate' meaning 'having or enclosed in a capsule', which is directly inferable.

Etymology

Capsulate (adjective) comes from the same root as capsule, from the Latin capsa meaning 'box' or 'case'. It describes something, like a seed or spore, that is 'inside a small box' or protected by a capsule.