How Do You Spell RUNCINATE?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌnsɪnˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

Runcinate is a term derived from the Latin word "runcinus," which means "a small tooth." The word is spelled as /ˈrʌnsənət/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "r" is pronounced with a flap or tap in American English, while the "u" is pronounced as the short "u" sound. The "n" is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth behind the teeth, while the "s" and "t" sounds are pronounced as they appear. The final "e" is silent. The word is commonly used to describe a leaf's shape with toothed edges pointing towards the base.

RUNCINATE Meaning and Definition

1. Runcinate is an adjective that primarily refers to the characteristic of leaves or other organ parts having deeply incised or divided margins that point backwards towards the base. The term originates from the Latin word "runcinatus," meaning "serrated" or "fringed," which perfectly captures the appearance of such foliage.

   When describing leaves, runcinate indicates that the leaf blade possesses numerous sharp, tooth-like lobes or divisions that extend backward from the margin towards the petiole or base of the leaf. These lobes are usually larger towards the apex, becoming smaller and more closely packed closer to the base, giving the leaf a distinctively serrated, jagged or deeply toothed appearance. This unique structure is especially common in certain plant families, such as the composites (Asteraceae), where it is associated with adapting to harsh environmental conditions.

   In addition to leaves, runcinate can also be used to describe other plant organs with similar backward-pointing lobes, like bracts or sepals. This specific morphology assists in reducing water loss through transpiration, as the backward-pointing lobes create smaller openings for water vapor to escape. This adaptation helps plants living in arid or dry habitats to conserve water and maintain their health.

   Overall, the term "runcinate" is an important descriptive tool for botanists and horticulturalists to categorize various plant structures, typically characterized by deeply incised, tooth-like lobes that point backward towards the base.

2. In bot., applied to a leaf having large marginal divisions directed in a curved and serrated manner towards the base.

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

Common Misspellings for RUNCINATE

• euncinate
• duncinate
• funcinate
• tuncinate
• 5uncinate
• 4uncinate
• ryncinate
• rhncinate
• rjncinate
• rincinate
• r8ncinate
• r7ncinate
• rubcinate
• rumcinate
• rujcinate
• ruhcinate
• runxinate
• runvinate
• runfinate

Etymology of RUNCINATE

The word "runcinate" originates from the Latin word "runcinatus", which is the past participle of "runcinare". It is derived from the noun "runcina", meaning "plane" or "saw", indicating a tool with a serrated or toothed edge. The term "runcinus" refers to a small saw used for pruning vines or as a pruning hook in arboriculture. In botanical terms, "runcinate" describes a type of leaf that has deep, serrated or toothed lobes pointing backward towards the base of the leaf, similar to the teeth of a saw.