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Glite Dictionary
tripinnate

tripinnate

9.9
A leaf whose parts are divided into smaller parts three times
  • adjective
  • /ˌtrɪˈpɪneɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tripinnado
  • The fern species is distinguished by its tripinnate fronds, which give it a delicate appearance.

Examples

  • Botanists classify some acacias as having tripinnate leaves.

  • The intricate, tripinnate structure of the leaf helps maximize sunlight capture.

  • The tripinnate leaves of the plant are quite unique.

  • Have you seen a tripinnate leaf before?

  • Some species of acacia have striking tripinnate leaves that enhance their overall beauty.

  • The tripinnate leaf structure of the fern allows for greater absorption of light.

  • In tropical regions, you can find plants with tripinnate leaves that are very complex.

Synonyms

tripinnated
vstripinnate
  • Specialized
9.9

A leaf divided into smaller leaflets three times, like many ferns

is the same meaning but uses an -ed adjective form

How Pinnate

tripinnate
  • Specialized
9.9
bipinnate
  • Specialized
9.9
pinnate
  • Specialized
1 9.6
simple
  • Specialized
7 7.4

Surface Forms

tripinnate positive

Morphology

tripinnate = pinnate (transparent) = tri + pinna + ate

The form is a direct and standard combination of the prefix 'tri-' with the technical adjective 'pinnate', meaning 'three times pinnate'.

Etymology

Tripinnate breaks into tri- meaning 'three' and pinna meaning 'feather', the root of pinnate. So a tripinnate leaf is like a feather whose parts are divided and re-divided three times, giving it many small leaflets.