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aciculate

aciculate

9.9
Thin and pointed like a needle, as in some leaves or crystals
  • adjective
  • /ˈæsɪkjʊlɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aciculado
  • The pine tree has aciculate leaves that help reduce water loss.

Examples

  • Many minerals display aciculate crystal formations growing from a central point.

  • The aciculate leaves of the plant were sharp to the touch.

  • The botanist collected specimens with aciculate stems for further study.

  • Many aciculate crystals can be found in this mineral.

  • The pine tree has aciculate leaves that help reduce water loss.

  • Many minerals display aciculate crystal formations growing from a central point.

  • The aciculate leaves of the plant were sharp to the touch.

Synonyms

acicular
vsaciculate
  • Specialized
9.9

Long, very thin, and pointed like a needle

is the broader term covering similar structures also in animals
needle-shaped
vsaciculate
4.6

Long, thin, and pointed like a sewing pin

is the same idea but used across biological and mineral contexts

How Pointed

needlelike
1 4.9
aciculate
  • Specialized
9.9
acicular
  • Specialized
9.9
narrow
290 1.0

Surface Forms

aciculate positive

Morphology

aciculate = acicul + ate

The combining form 'acicul-' is not a productive or recognizable English base for most learners, so the meaning 'needle-shaped' cannot be derived from familiar English morphemes.

Etymology

Aciculate comes from the Latin acicula meaning 'little needle' and acus meaning 'needle'. Think of acupuncture, which uses needles, so aciculate describes something that has small, needle-shaped parts.