lanceolate

[ lan-see-uh-leyt, -lit ]

adjective

1. shaped like the head of a lance.
2. narrow, and tapering toward the apex or sometimes at the base, as a leaf.

lanceolate

/ -lɪt; ˈlɑːnsɪəˌleɪt /

adjective

1. narrow and tapering to a point at each end

   lanceolate leaves

lanceolate

/ lăn′sē-ə-lāt′ /

1. Tapering from a rounded base toward an apex; lance-shaped. Many willows have lanceolate leaves.

Other Words From

• lance·o·lately adverb
• sub·lance·o·late adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lanceolate¹

1750–60; < Latin lanceolātus armed with a small lance, equivalent to lanceol ( a ) small lance ( lance ( a ) lance ¹ + -ola -ole ¹ ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lanceolate¹

C18: from Late Latin lanceolātus, from lanceola small lance

Example Sentences

Leaves of a lanceolate form are the largest, and the shape of those found on most varieties of the American plant.

From Project Gutenberg

The interior of the cathedral is comparatively poor and bare; but it has one great beauty—its colored lanceolate windows.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, the abdomen of female Tipul is lanceolate; that of the male cylindrical, and thickest at the extremity.

From Project Gutenberg

The Raven can be known by its large size, its very large bill, and lanceolate feathers on the throat.

From Project Gutenberg

On the back they also have long lanceolate gray plumes; crown and a comet shaped patch under the eye of a yellowish white.

From Project Gutenberg