How Do You Spell MURICATE?

Pronunciation: [mjˈʊɹɪkˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "muricate" is spelled with nine letters and is pronounced as /ˈmyʊər.ɪ.keɪt/. This term is typically used to describe something with rough or prickly, raised surfaces, such as the exterior of certain seashells. It can also refer to a style of decoration with sharp projections, commonly found in ancient architectural designs. Although the word may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, its specific spelling and unique sound make it a distinctive term to recognize in written and spoken English.

MURICATE Meaning and Definition

1. Muricate is an adjective that describes something characterized by or covered with small, rough, or sharply pointed protuberances or bumps. Derived from the Latin word "muricatus," which means having small sharp points or thorns, the term muricate denotes a specific texture or appearance of an object's surface.

   When an object is described as muricate, it implies that it has numerous small projections or rough areas that might resemble the shape of thorns or tiny spikes. These protuberances can be found on a wide range of objects, including geological formations like rocks or seashells, as well as man-made items such as architectural elements or tools.

   Muricate surfaces often serve various purposes. In nature, they can be protective adaptations, acting as a barrier against potential predators or providing structural support. In a man-made context, muricate surfaces can increase friction or enhance one's grip on an object. Architects and designers can also employ muricate textures as decorative elements, adding visual interest and texture to surfaces.

   The adjective muricate is frequently used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly in fields such as geology, biology, and architecture. By describing a surface as being muricate, researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts can efficiently communicate its specific characteristics, allowing for accurate observation, analysis, and discussion.

2. Formed with sharp points; covered with firm short points or excrescences.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MURICATE

• mericate
• nuricate
• kuricate
• juricate
• myricate
• mhricate
• mjricate
• miricate
• m8ricate
• m7ricate
• mueicate
• muficate
• muticate
• mu5icate
• mu4icate
• murucate
• murjcate
• murkcate
• murocate
• mur9cate

Etymology of MURICATE

The word "muricate" is derived from the Latin word "muricatus", which in turn comes from "murex". "Murex" refers to a type of marine shellfish that was highly valued in ancient times for its rich purple or red dye, called "Tyrian purple". The shell of the murex had spiky, sharp protrusions, and these shell spikes inspired the word "muricatus". Over time, "muricate" came to be used in English to describe anything that has a rough or prickly surface, much like the spiky shell of the murex.