CARINATE Meaning and
Definition
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Carinate is an adjective that describes the shape or structure of a specific group of animals, particularly birds. Derived from the Latin word "carina," meaning "keel" or "ridge," carinate refers to the presence of a sharp ridge or keel on the breastbone or sternum of an animal.
In birds, the characteristic that defines them as carinate is the pronounced and pointed sternum that projects downward along the midline of their front side. This keeled sternum provides attachment points for strong flight muscles, allowing birds to achieve powered flight. The carinate nature of birds is a key distinguishing feature that separates them from other animals, such as mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, which lack this structural adaptation.
The carinate design of the sternum is vital for birds' ability to fly efficiently and navigate the skies. This adaptation increases the surface area available for muscle attachment and provides a fulcrum for the movements of the wings during flight. The keel serves as a critical anchor for the powerful pectoral muscles, enabling birds to develop the necessary force for sustainable and controlled flight.
While carinate primarily pertains to birds, it can also refer to certain extinct reptiles, such as dinosaurs and marine reptiles like plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs, which possessed a keel-like ridge on their sternum. Carinate is a term widely used in zoology and paleontology to describe the notable anatomical feature that is essential for the flight capability and evolutionary success of these animals.
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Keel-shaped, having a prominent central line like the bottom of a ship.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In bot., keel-shaped, as the two lower petals of a papilionaceous flower.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CARINATE
- xarinate
- varinate
- farinate
- darinate
- czrinate
- csrinate
- cwrinate
- cqrinate
- caeinate
- cadinate
- cafinate
- catinate
- ca5inate
- ca4inate
- carunate
- carjnate
- carknate
- car9nate
- car8nate
Etymology of CARINATE
The word "carinate" comes from the Latin word "carina", which means "keel" or "ridge". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kor", meaning "to project" or "point". In biological terms, "carinate" refers to animals or plants that have a keel-like structure, such as the keeled sternum of birds or the ridges found on certain flower petals.
Similar spelling words for CARINATE
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