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Glite Dictionary
crenulate

crenulate

9.9
An edge with many small round notches
  • adjective
  • /ˈkrɛn.jə.leɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : crenulado
  • A shell with a crenulate margin can be distinguished from one with a smooth edge.

Examples

  • The species is identified by its crenulate petals, each lined with tiny, rounded lobes.

  • The crenulate edge of the leaf caught my attention.

  • The crenulate leaves of the herb gave its edge a delicate, decorative appearance.

  • Look at that crenulate shell on the beach!

  • A shell with a crenulate margin can be distinguished from one with a smooth edge.

  • The crenulate leaves of the herb gave its edge a delicate, decorative appearance.

  • The crenulate edge of the leaf caught my attention.

Synonyms

crenulated
vscrenulate
  • Specialized
9.9

Having small rounded teeth along the edge, like on leaves or shells

is the same meaning but used here as the dictionary head form
crenate
vscrenulate
  • Specialized
9.8

An edge of a leaf with rounded small bumps or shallow notches

is the same meaning but expressed in a different variant form
crenated
vscrenulate
  • Specialized
9.8

Having an edge with small rounded notches like many leaves and cells

is the same idea but written as another variant form
dentata
vscrenulate
  • Specialized
9.9

A word used in scientific names for plants and animals to show a toothed edge

has rounded small scallops rather than general serrations
toothed
vscrenulate
3.9

Having a jagged edge with small points like teeth

features small rounded scallops, not sharp or jagged teeth

How Notched

crenelated
  • Specialized
9.9
serrated
5.4
crenulate
  • Specialized
9.9
scalloped
1 4.6
smooth
256 1.0

Surface Forms

crenulate positive

Morphology

crenulate = crenul + ate

The element 'crenul-' is a Latin combining form referring to small notches and is not a productive, standalone English base, so learners cannot reliably derive the meaning from familiar English components.

Etymology

Crenulate comes from an old word crenula, meaning 'small notch', and is like crenel, the little gaps you see on a castle wall. So a crenulate edge has many tiny, rounded notches, like small 'teeth' along a leaf or shell, which is why the word describes that kind of edge.