lanceolate

9.9

A long narrow leaf that becomes a point at both ends, especially at the tip

adjective
/ˌlænsiˈoʊlɪt/

Specialized

: lanceolado

Botanists identified the plant by its narrow, lanceolate foliage.

Examples

The willow tree has lanceolate leaves that flutter in the wind.
Many grasses display lanceolate leaf blades, aiding in water runoff.
This leaf is lanceolate.
Look at that lanceolate leaf!
The plant's narrow leaves are distinctly lanceolate, making it easy to identify.
In the garden, the lanceolate leaves of the iris create a striking visual contrast.
She pointed out that the lanceolate shape of the leaves helps them capture sunlight effectively.

Synonyms

lancet-shaped

vslanceolate

Specialized

7.5

Narrow and pointed at both ends, like a long thin leaf

emphasizes a long narrow form tapering especially toward the tip

lance-shaped

vslanceolate

Specialized

6.4

Having a long narrow shape that ends in a sharp point like a spear

is defined by tapering at both ends rather than only at the tip

lancelike

vslanceolate

Specialized

9.5

Narrow and tapering to a pointed tip like a lance

is specifically long and narrow with both ends tapering to points

Compounds

lanceolate leaf

Specialized

8.2

A long narrow leaf that is widest in the middle and pointed at both ends

lanceolate spleenwort

9.9

A fern with long narrow leaves that grows on rocks in western Europe

How Narrow

linear

Specialized

5 6.1

lanceolate

Specialized

9.9

elliptic

6.5

broad

224 1.0

Surface Forms

lanceolate positive

Morphology

lanceolate = lance (semi-transparent) = lance + olate

The adjective is formed from 'lance' with an adjectival ending meaning 'spear-shaped', but the suffix '-olate' is non‑productive in everyday English and the term is specialized botanical vocabulary.

Etymology

Lanceolate comes from the old Latin word lancea, meaning 'spear', and is like the English word lance. So a lanceolate leaf is 'spear-shaped', long, narrow and pointed at both ends.