Pronunciation: [tˈɜːbɪnˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "turbinate" is spelled with six letters and comes from the Latin word "turbinatus," meaning "spinning top." It refers to a bony structure in the nose that helps to warm and humidify air as it enters the body. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈtɜːbɪneɪt/, with a stressed syllable on the second syllable, a silent "e" at the end, and the long "i" sound represented by the digraph "ie."
Turbinate is an adjective that is used to describe something that is shaped or structured like a turbinated bone or structure. The term "turbinate" is typically associated with the conchae, which are the scroll-like bones located in the nasal passage. These structures are crucial for the functioning of the respiratory system as they are responsible for heating, humidifying, and filtering the air we breathe.
The adjective "turbinate" can also be used more broadly to describe other objects or structures that have a similar shape or design. For instance, a conch shell is often described as turbinate due to its spiral, tapering shape. Similarly, a plant's leaf that twists and spirals is sometimes referred to as being turbinate in nature.
In medical terminology, the term "turbinate" can also be used to describe abnormal growths or conditions related to the turbinates themselves. For example, a person may have turbinate hypertrophy, which refers to an excessive enlargement of the turbinates. This condition can lead to nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and other related symptoms.
In summary, the term "turbinate" refers to something that resembles or is shaped like the turbinated bones or structures found in the nasal passage. It can be used to describe various objects or conditions, both in a medical context and in everyday language.
1. Turbinated. 2. Turbinated body, turbinated bone, concha nasalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In bot., shaped like a top, or a cone inverted; wreathed conically; spiral-shaped.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "turbinate" traces its origins back to the Latin word "turbinatus", which is the past participle of "turbinare", meaning to turn or whirling motion. This Latin term is derived from the noun "turbo", which can refer to a spinning top or a whirlwind. The word "turbinate" entered the English language in the mid-17th century, primarily in the field of anatomy, to describe the shape and structure of certain bones in the nasal cavity known as the turbinates. These structures were named for their spiral or conical shape, resembling a whirlwind or spinning top.
