plexiform

1 9.5

A shape with many connected parts like a net

adjective
/ˈplɛksɪfɔrm/

Specialized

: plexiforme

The plexiform arrangement of blood vessels allows for efficient circulation in the organ.

Examples

Researchers studied the plexiform structure of the brain tissue under a microscope.
Two of the other subtypes are plexiform and acanthomatous.

Academic text (2003)
The plexiform layer of cells in the skin helps to provide necessary nutrients.

Antonyms

simple

∞ 1.0

Easy to understand or do

unstructured

7 4.4

Not organized in a clear plan or order

Surface Forms

plexiform positive

Morphology

plexiform = plexus (transparent) = plexus + form

Meaning is directly 'having the form or structure of a plexus' formed by adding '-form' to the base 'plexus', a straightforward morphological formation.

Etymology

Plexiform comes from the old Latin word plexus meaning 'braid' or 'weave', and it shares the root plex- with the familiar word complex. So plexiform describes something that is braided or network-like, which helps explain its use for tissues or organs that are many-branched.