COSTELLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Costellate is an adjective that refers to the act of marking or studding something with small elevated features or ridges. It is derived from the Latin word "costellatus," which means "made like a rib."
In a literal sense, costellate describes the appearance of an object or surface that is characterized by the presence of multiple small ribs, bumps, or protuberances. These ribs or bumps can be symmetrical or irregular in shape and are often evenly spaced or patterned.
The term is commonly used in biology to describe the presence of ribs or ridges on a specific anatomical structure. For example, certain marine animals, such as scallops or some seashells, have costellate shells, which are adorned with numerous raised ridges or grooves. Similarly, some plant stems or leaves may exhibit costellate veins, where distinct linear or curved ridges are visible.
In a more figurative sense, the term costellate can also refer to the act of adorning or embellishing something with small raised features for decorative purposes. This can be seen in various art forms, such as sculpture or ceramics, where an artist may choose to costellate a surface to add texture, depth, or visual interest.
Overall, costellate describes the presence or act of marking something with small raised features or ridges, either in a natural or intentional manner, enhancing the aesthetic or functional qualities of the object or structure.
Common Misspellings for COSTELLATE
Etymology of COSTELLATE
The term "costellate" does not show up in most standard English dictionaries. However, it can be derived from the word "costal", which comes from the Latin word "costa", meaning "rib". In English, "costal" refers to anything related to the ribs or rib cage. Adding the suffix "-ate" to "costal" creates the adjective "costellate", meaning "having ribs" or "having a rib-like appearance". The word may also be derived from the noun "costella", which means "small rib" in Latin.
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