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Glite Dictionary
sulcate

sulcate

9.9
Having deep, narrow grooves on its surface
  • adjective
  • /ˈsʌlkeɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sulcado
  • The leaf was sulcate, with deep grooves running lengthwise along its surface.

Examples

  • The sulcate shell of the sea snail distinguishes it from other smooth-shelled species.

  • Under the microscope, the pollen grains appeared sulcate and ridged.

  • The sulcate surface of the tree trunk is fascinating.

  • This sulcate pattern is typical of certain plant species.

  • The sulcate shell of the sea snail has deep grooves that help it blend into its environment.

  • The leaf was sulcate, featuring narrow furrows that make it easy to identify.

  • Under the microscope, the pollen grains were found to be sulcate, revealing their unique texture.

Antonyms

smooth
256 1.0

A surface that is even and not rough

How Grooved

sulcate
  • Specialized
9.9
furrowed
1 4.9
ridged
1 5.0
smooth
256 1.0

Surface Forms

sulcate positive

Morphology

sulcate = sulcus (semi-transparent) = sulc + ate

The adjective is formed regularly from the root meaning 'groove' plus '-ate', but both the root form and the word are technical/rare, so the relation is clear morphologically but not obvious to average learners.

Etymology

The word sulcate comes from the Latin sulcus, meaning 'furrow' or 'groove'. So, something sulcate has deep, narrow grooves, like the furrows in a plowed field or the lines on a shell.