forficate
- adjective
- /ˈfɔr.fɪ.keɪt/
- Specialized
- The insect's antennae were distinctly forficate, splitting into two delicate branches.
Examples
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Several algae have forficate fronds that resemble the prongs of a fork.
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The river follows a forficate course, dividing neatly around the central island.
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The plant has forficate leaves that resemble a fork.
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Some species of trees exhibit forficate branches.
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Several algae have forficate fronds that resemble the prongs of a fork.
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The insect's antennae were distinctly forficate, splitting into two delicate branches.
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Some species of trees exhibit forficate branches that spread apart like a fork.
Synonyms
18
4.5
A thing that has thin pointed parts that stick out like the points of a fork
6
4.2
Dividing into two or more branches, like a road that splits
2
3.5
Having parts that split and spread out like a tree
1
4.4
Shaped like a fork with two or more branches
1
4.4
A thing with parts that split into two or more branches
1
9.0
Split into two parts or branches, like a river
1
9.9
Shaped like two small curved parts used to hold things
A limb or body part that has two separate branches
Having a forked or branched shape in a body part
Having two or more pointy branches like a fork
Surface Forms
Morphology
forficate = fork (opaque) = forfic + ate
Although 'fork' is the most recognizable English analogue, 'forfic-' is a Latinate combining form not productive in modern English, so learners cannot reliably derive the adjective from the base.
Etymology
Forficate comes from the old Latin word forfex, which meant 'scissors' or 'a fork' and is like the English word fork. So, forficate describes something 'shaped like a fork', split into two branches.