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Glite Dictionary
auriform

auriform

9.9
Shaped like an ear
  • adjective
  • /ˈɔːrɪfɔrm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : auriforme
  • Certain shells are described as auriform due to their ear-like appearance.

Examples

  • The auriform leaves of the plant helped botanists identify its species.

  • The artifact had an auriform design typical of ancient jewelry.

  • The auriform design of the sculpture caught everyone's attention.

  • Isn't that an auriform structure?

  • The artist created a beautiful sculpture with an auriform shape that resembled a human ear.

  • In her garden, she grew a plant with auriform leaves that looked like delicate ears.

  • The ancient vase featured an auriform design, mimicking the contours of an ear.

Synonyms

ear-shaped
vsauriform
1 4.6

A thing that looks like the outer part of an ear

is the formal technical name for the same curved hearing organ shape
auricular
vsauriform
  • Specialized
1 8.8

Relating to the ear or to hearing

is only about the shape that resembles the hearing part not about hearing
earlike
vsauriform
5.8

Has the shape of an ear

is a more formal term describing that same shape
ear-like
vsauriform
5.1

Having a small curved shape like an ear

is the one word Latinate name for this same shape
auriculated
vsauriform
  • Specialized
9.9

Having ear-shaped parts on leaves or petals

is the general overall curved shape not only small lobed appendages
auriculate
vsauriform
  • Specialized
9.9

With small ear-shaped parts at the base of a leaf or petal

is the broad general shape rather than a specific appended lobe

How Ear-shaped

auriculate
  • Specialized
9.9
auriform
  • Specialized
9.9
earlike
5.8

Surface Forms

auriform positive

Morphology

auriform = aural (opaque) = auri + form

The combining element 'auri-' is not a productive standalone English word and is obscure to most learners, so although '-form' denotes shape, the overall formation is not transparently recoverable by B1 learners.

Etymology

Auriform comes from the Latin root auris 'ear' and the part -form 'shape'. So, auriform simply means 'ear-shaped', used for things like leaves or shells that look like an ear.