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Glite Dictionary
labiate

labiate

9.9
Having parts that look like lips, often on flowers or mouths
  • adjective
  • /ˈleɪbiət/
  • Specialized
translation icon : labial
  • The flower is described as labiate because its petals form a distinct lip-like shape.

Examples

  • Some plants in the mint family have labiate corollas that help attract pollinators.

  • Some species of orchids have labiate petals.

  • You can identify this species by its labiate mouthparts, which resemble small lips.

  • The labiate structure of the flower attracts many pollinators.

  • Many flowers in the mint family have labiate structures that make them attractive to bees.

  • The labiate design of the plant's blossoms aids in capturing the attention of insects.

  • You can differentiate this plant by its labiate features, which resemble the shape of lips.

Synonyms

lipped
vslabiate
15 6.3

A thing with a noticeable rim, like a mug or flower petal

focuses on resemblance in biological parts rather than general objects
liplike
vslabiate
7.7

Having the shape of a lip

is used mainly for plant or anatomical parts rather than general shapes
lip-shaped
vslabiate
3.9

A thing that has the shape of a lip

is a technical term for parts in plants or anatomy

Surface Forms

labiate positive

Morphology

labiate = labium (semi-transparent) = labi + ate

Formed from the combining form 'labi-' meaning 'lip' plus adjectival '-ate'; the root is a specialized anatomical combining form, so learners unfamiliar with 'labium/labia' may not readily see the connection.

Etymology

The word labiate comes from the Latin root labium meaning 'lip', so it describes a plant or body part that has small, lip-like parts. That's why a labiate flower or mouthpart looks like or acts like a little 'lip'.