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reniform

reniform

9.9
Shaped like a kidney, as some leaves and seeds are
  • adjective
  • /ˈrɛnɪfɔrm/
  • Specialized
: reniforme
  • The plant’s leaves are distinctly reniform, making them easy to identify among other species.

Examples

  • The leaf was reniform and had a smooth texture.

  • A reniform mass was detected in the patient’s abdominal scan.

  • The seed pods are reniform in shape, similar to small beans.

  • Many plants exhibit reniform leaves.

  • The plant’s leaves are distinctly reniform, making them easy to identify among other species.

  • The seed pods are reniform in shape, similar to small beans.

  • Many plants exhibit reniform leaves that adapt well to their environment.

Synonyms

kidney-shaped
vsreniform
2 4.2

Rounded with an inward curve on one side like a kidney

is used mainly for leaves and organs in biological descriptions rather than general objects

Compounds

reniform leaf
  • Specialized
9.9

A leaf shaped like a kidney that is wider than it is long

Surface Forms

reniform positive

Morphology

reniform = form (semi-transparent) = reni + form

The element 'form' meaning 'shape' is recognizable to learners, but 'reni' is a Latin combining form meaning 'kidney' that is not a standalone English word, so the precise meaning 'kidney-shaped' is not fully transparent.

Etymology

Reniform comes from two Latin parts: ren meaning 'kidney' and -form meaning 'shape'. So something called reniform is 'kidney-shaped', like some leaves or organs, and you can remember it because renal also relates to the kidney.