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caruncular

caruncular

9.9
Having a small soft bump of flesh on animals and people
  • adjective
  • /kəˈrʌŋkjələr/
  • Specialized
: caruncular
  • The surgeon noted a caruncular mass near the patient's lower eyelid.

Examples

  • In some birds, caruncular features on the head become more prominent during breeding season.

  • Can you identify the caruncular structures on this frog?

  • A caruncular swelling was observed on the animal's oral tissue.

  • The caruncular tissue in birds serves various functions.

  • The surgeon noted a caruncular mass near the patient's lower eyelid.

  • In some birds, caruncular features on the head become more prominent during breeding season.

  • A caruncular swelling was observed on the animal's oral tissue.

Synonyms

carunculous
vscaruncular
  • Specialized
9.9

With small soft fleshy bumps like those on some birds or lizards

is about relation or similarity rather than actual possession of a growth
carunculated
vscaruncular
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a small soft piece of flesh that sticks out on an animal's head or neck

is about relation or similarity rather than actually possessing the growth
carunculate
vscaruncular
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a small soft fleshy growth like on a bird's head or on a seed

is broader, focusing on relation or likeness rather than actual possession

Surface Forms

caruncular positive

Morphology

caruncular = caruncle (transparent) = caruncle + ar

The adjective is a straightforward formation from the noun 'caruncle' with the adjectival suffix '-ar', meaning 'relating to a caruncle'.

Etymology

Caruncular comes from the Latin caruncula, a word for a small 'piece of flesh', which in turn comes from caro meaning 'flesh'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of carnivore ('meat-eater') with the same car- root, so caruncular means 'like a small fleshy bump' on an animal or person.