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ovate

ovate

1 7.2
Having an egg shape that is wider near the base, often for leaves
  • adjective
  • /ˈoʊveɪt/
  • Specialized
: ovado
  • The tree has beautiful ovate leaves that provide shade during the summer.

Examples

  • The design features an ovate shape that resembles a traditional egg.

  • "It's an egg, Mom," I said gently, staring at the small ovate object in disbelief.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • In my garden, I planted some flowers with ovate petals that catch the sunlight beautifully.

Synonyms

oval
vsovate
28 1.0

Having a rounded shape that is slightly longer than a circle, like an egg

specifies the widest part is located near the base in botanical use
oval-shaped
vsovate
4 3.0

A shape that is long and round like an egg

focuses on the broadest point being near the base for foliage
egg-shaped
vsovate
4 2.5

Having a shape like an egg

indicates the wide end sits near the base when describing plant parts
ovoid
vsovate
1 6.1

Having a rounded shape like an egg

marks the wider end as near the base for leaves or petals
ovoidal
vsovate
1 6.6

Shaped like an egg

has its widest part near the base in botanical descriptions
oviform
vsovate
  • Specialized
9.1

Shaped like an egg

highlights that the broader side lies close to the base in plants

Compounds

ovate leaf
  • Specialized
1 6.4

A leaf shaped like an egg with the wider end at the base

How Round

circular
74 2.8
rounded
45 2.4
elliptical
13 4.5
ovate
  • Specialized
1 7.2

Surface Forms

ovate positive

Etymology

The word ovate comes from the Latin ovum, meaning 'egg'. Think of an egg's shape, wider at one end and rounded, so ovate means 'egg-shaped' and is used for leaves or petals that are broad near the base.