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Glite Dictionary
cupulate

cupulate

9.9
A plant part shaped like a small cup that often holds a seed
  • adjective
  • /ˈkjuːpjʊlɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cupulado
  • The acorn is attached to the branch by a cupulate base.

Examples

  • The seed pods are cupulate in shape, fitting snugly around the seeds.

  • Many plants have cupulate features that aid in pollination.

  • Many species in this genus have cupulate fruit that resemble tiny cups.

  • The cupulate structure of the flower is quite unique.

  • Many species in this genus have cupulate fruit that resemble tiny cups.

  • The seed pods are cupulate in shape, fitting snugly around the seeds.

  • The cupulate structure of the acorn provides support for its development.

Synonyms

cupular
vscupulate
  • Specialized
9.9

Having the shape of a small cup that holds a seed

is the same in meaning but is a different word form
cuplike
vscupulate
4.1

Shaped like a cup that can hold water

is more specific, naming small botanical cups rather than general shapes

Surface Forms

cupulate positive

Morphology

cupulate = cupule (transparent) = cupule + ate

Direct adjectival formation from the noun 'cupule' with the adjectival/participial suffix '-ate', so the meaning 'having or shaped like a cupule' follows straightforwardly.

Etymology

The word cupulate comes from the Latin cupula, which means 'small cup' and is like the English word cup. So in plants, a cupulate part is shaped like or holds a little cup, which is why acorns and some seed pods are called cupulate.