The word "corrugate" is spelled with two r's and two g's. The initial "cor-" is pronounced with an /k/ sound, while the "-rugate" ending is pronounced with a /ɡeɪt/ sound. The "rr" in the middle is represented by the IPA symbol for a trilled "r" /r/, and the "gg" is pronounced as a double hard "g" /ɡɡ/. The overall pronunciation is /ˈkɔːrəɡeɪt/, and it means to form or shape into a series of ridge-like folds or grooves.
Corrugate is a transitive verb with multiple meanings depending on the context. The primary definition of corrugate refers to the act of forming into wrinkles, bends, or parallel folds, typically in a surface or material. It involves intentionally adding ridges or grooves to a flat surface, resulting in a wavy or zigzag appearance. Corrugating is commonly done to materials such as metal, cardboard, or plastic, increasing their strength, durability, or flexibility.
In the realm of construction and manufacturing, corrugating is often used to create corrugated metal sheets or corrugated cardboard boxes. This process enhances their structural integrity, making them more resistant to bending or breaking under pressure. Corrugated materials find widespread application in roofing, walls, packaging, or as support structures.
Corrugate can also have figurative or metaphorical meanings, especially in relation to emotions or facial expressions. It can describe the wrinkling or furrowing of a person's brow, indicating worry, confusion, or concentration. Additionally, corrugate can be used to describe the gathering or clustering of objects or individuals in a parallel formation, resembling the grooves or folds created through the physical act of corrugating.
Overall, the term corrugate encompasses various connotations of intentional wrinkling, folding, or grooving of surfaces, whether it be in a literal or metaphorical sense.
• Wrinkled.
• To wrinkle or purse up; to furrow or form into ridges, as sheets of metal.
• In bot., shaped into wrinkles or folds; wrinkled.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "corrugate" originated from the Latin word "corrugāre", which is derived from the prefix "con-" meaning "together" and "rugāre" meaning "to wrinkle" or "to fold". It was then borrowed into Middle English as "corrugaten" and eventually became the verb "corrugate" in modern English, which means "to shape or form into alternating parallel grooves or ridges".