Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
bicuspidate

bicuspidate

9.9
Having two pointed parts like a tooth or leaf
  • adjective
  • /ˌbaɪˈkʌspɪdeɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bicúspide
  • Human premolars are sometimes referred to as bicuspidate because of their two pointed cusps.

Examples

  • The botanist described the bicuspidate leaves found on the rare shrub.

  • Some animals possess bicuspidate teeth that help them grasp and tear their food.

  • The bicuspidate leaf is common in tropical plants.

  • Can you identify the bicuspidate teeth in this diagram?

  • Human premolars are classified as bicuspidate due to their two pointed cusps.

  • Many species of mammals have bicuspidate teeth, which are useful for chewing food.

  • The scientist noted that the bicuspidate leaves of the plant were an adaptation to its environment.

Synonyms

bicuspid
vsbicuspidate
  • Specialized
1 7.2

Having two points, for example a leaf or a tooth with two small tips

applies to both teeth and leaves rather than being tooth specific

Surface Forms

bicuspidate positive

Morphology

bicuspidate = bicuspid (transparent) = bi + cuspid + ate

Formed by adding the productive adjectival suffix '-ate' to the recognizable base 'bicuspid', yielding 'having two cusps' in a regular way.

Etymology

Bicuspidate comes from bi- 'two' (as in bicycle) and cuspid 'point' (as in cusp). So bicuspidate means having 'two points', like a tooth or a leaf with two small tips.