pinnatisect

9.9

A leaf cut deeply in a feather-like pattern nearly to the main vein but still one leaf

adjective
/ˌpɪnəˈtɪsɛkt/

Specialized

: pinnatisecto

The fern's pinnatisect leaves give it a delicate, lacy appearance in the garden.

Examples

Botanists identified the plant by its pinnatisect structure, with divisions reaching nearly to the midrib.
Some daisies have pinnatisect foliage that almost looks like individual strands.
Look at that pinnatisect leaf; it looks amazing!
The pinnatisect leaves create a unique silhouette.
The fern's pinnatisect leaves give it a delicate, lacy appearance in the garden.
Botanists identified the plant by its pinnatisect structure, with divisions reaching nearly to the midrib.
Some daisies have pinnatisect foliage that almost looks like individual strands.

Synonyms

pinnatifid

vspinnatisect

Specialized

9.9

A leaf with deep cuts almost to the middle but not into small separate parts

shows narrow featherlike segments rather than broad ones

dissected

vspinnatisect

Specialized

6.7

A plant part like a leaf or frond with deep cuts that reach almost to its middle vein

is specific in showing narrow featherlike divisions rather than general lobes

How Divided

pinnate

Specialized

1 9.6

pinnatisect

Specialized

9.9

pinnatifid

Specialized

9.9

lobed

6.5

undivided

Specialized

2 4.7

Surface Forms

pinnatisect positive

Morphology

pinnatisect = pinnate (semi-transparent) = pinnati + sect

Formed from the combining form 'pinnati-' (from 'pinnate') plus '-sect' meaning 'cut'; the components give a clear literal sense but are technical Latin forms that may be unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

Pinnatisect comes from Latin pinna 'feather' and the part -sect 'cut'. So a pinnatisect leaf is 'cut' in a feather-like pattern almost to the middle, which explains why the leaf looks divided and lacy.