LYRATE Meaning and
Definition
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Lyrate is an adjective that describes a certain shape, particularly in the botanical context. It refers to a leaf or a leaflet that is characterized by a deeply incised or cut margin, resembling the shape of a lyre or a harp. This term is derived from the Latin word "lyra" meaning "lyre," which was an ancient stringed musical instrument.
In the case of a lyrate leaf, it is typically compound in nature, consisting of a main central lobe and smaller lobes that branch off from it. These lateral lobes are usually angled or oriented in a way that resembles the strings of a lyre, hence the comparison. The deep lobes often create a feather-like appearance, similar to the strings of a musical instrument.
The lyrate shape is commonly found in plants belonging to the mustard family, such as arugula, radishes, and some types of cress. It is also observed in other plant species, including some ferns. The lyrate leaf shape is considered an adaptation that enhances the plant's ability to capture sunlight and promote efficient photosynthesis.
Botanists and horticulturists often use the term "lyrate" to describe and classify the specific leaf shape or pattern observed in different plant species, assisting in their identification and categorization.
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In bot., applied to a leaf having a large terminal lobe and several pairs of smaller lobes decreasing in size towards the base.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LYRATE
- kyrate
- ltrate
- lgrate
- lhrate
- lurate
- l7rate
- l6rate
- lyeate
- lydate
- lyfate
- lytate
- ly5ate
- ly4ate
- lyrzte
- lyrste
- lyrwte
- lyrqte
- lyrare
- lyrafe
Etymology of LYRATE
The word "lyrate" is derived from the Latin word "lyratus", which means "shaped like a lyre". The term "lyre" refers to a stringed musical instrument that resembles a small harp, consisting of a U-shaped body and strings stretched between the upper crossbar and the soundbox. The word "lyrate" is used to describe a leaf or feather shape that resembles the outline of a lyre, with a central axis from which lateral lobes or leaflets spread out on either side.
Similar spelling words for LYRATE
- Lered,
- Lorette,
- grate,
- luard,
- crate,
- Loreta,
- loured,
- lerida,
- lierde,
- layered,
- laredo,
- Loord,
- Leered,
- one-layered,
- LRD,
- layard,
- lariat,
- Larretta,
- lordy,
- Laretta,
- Leerit,
- larid,
- laird,
- lard,
- Lorrette,
- LRAD,
- Lord-like,
- double-layered,
- liege-lord,
- inter-lard,
- Loretta,
- LAIRWITE,
- Lured,
- LURD,
- LAERT,
- star-lord,
- single-layered,
- laired,
- karate,
- lard-ass,
- Lurette,
- multi-layered,
- Leretta,
- poet-laureate,
- LRTD,
- lirette,
- loret,
- lerette,
- Loreto,
- Lorretta,
- lurid,
- larut,
- Laurite,
- lowered,
- LRTA,
- lord,
- laridae,
- larwood,
- Lardy,
- lawyered,
- rate,
- irate,
- laureat,
- late,
- lardier,
- locate,
- leard,
- lauret,
- gold-layered,
- Lyrid,
- learoyd,
- lauroid,
- lardo,
- lordi,
- lauriat,
- lord-lieutenant,
- Lorate,
- lert,
- laureate,
- Laroid,
- Lauretta,
- lorado,
- lerato,
- lerot,
- lord-in-waiting,
- lurita,
- lourd,
- leeward,
- Laurita,
- Larita,
- loredo,
- many-layered,
- lloret,
- hogs-lard,
- loiret,
- pirate,
- Loriot,
- LRT,
- Laurate,
- Lorita,
- Laurette,
- Lowretta,
- Harvest-lord,
- LORTO,
- Liard,
- lehrte,
- Lyraid,
- over-layered,
- Loretto,
- lorde,
- Lirit,
- lyre,
- LRTT,
- LRATE,
- Cock-laird,
- LORT,
- LIRT,
- Liorit,
- Cotton-lord,
- lyrata.
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