Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
serrulate

serrulate

9.9
Having very small saw-like teeth along the edge of a leaf
  • adjective
  • /ˈsɛr.jʊ.leɪt/
  • Specialized
: serrulado
  • The scientist noted that the leaf had a serrulate edge under the microscope.

Examples

  • The serrulate pattern on the shell made it easy to distinguish from other species.

  • Some insect wings possess a serrulate margin, which aids in camouflage.

  • This leaf is serrulate.

  • Can you see the serrulate edges?

  • The scientist noted that the leaf had a serrulate edge under the microscope.

  • Some insect wings possess a serrulate margin, which aids in camouflage.

  • The serrulate pattern on the shell made it easy to distinguish from other species.

Synonyms

dentata
vsserrulate
  • Specialized
1 9.9

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

focuses on minute fine teeth rather than serving mainly as a name form
dentate
vsserrulate
  • Specialized
1 9.4

Having a row of small toothlike points along the edge

has much finer minute serrations rather than larger toothlike projections
crenulated
vsserrulate
  • Specialized
1 9.9

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

has tiny sharp serrations instead of rounded scallops
crenulate
vsserrulate
  • Specialized
1 9.9

An edge with many small round notches

has much finer serrations rather than rounded notches

Antonyms

smooth
224 1.0

A surface that is even and not rough

How Toothed

toothed
4 3.9
serrated
18 5.4
serrulate
  • Specialized
9.9
scalloped
4 4.6
smooth
224 1.0

Surface Forms

serrulate positive

Morphology

serrulate = serrate (semi-transparent) = serrate + ulate

The adjective is clearly derived from 'serrate' with a diminutive/derivational suffix, but the specific suffix '-ulate' and the nuance 'very small teeth' may be unfamiliar to many learners.

Etymology

Serrulate comes from the Latin root serra meaning 'saw' and a small ending meaning 'little', so the word means 'having very small saw-like teeth'. Think of a leaf edge that looks like a tiny saw, which is why we call such edges serrulate.