falcate

American  

[fal-keyt] / ˈfæl keɪt /

Also falcated

adjective

1. curved like a scythe or sickle; hooked; falciform.

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falcate British  

/ ˈfælsɪˌfɔːm, ˈfælkeɪt /

adjective

1. biology shaped like a sickle

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Other Word Forms

• subfalcate adjective

Etymology

Origin of falcate

1820–30; < Latin falcātus sickle-shaped, equivalent to falc- (stem of falx ) sickle + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Note the robust body, the falcate dorsal fin, and the gradation of color in three zones—dark gray on the back, to lighter gray on the sides, to white or pink on the belly.

From Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic A Guide to Their Identification by Caldwell, David

Both pygmy killer whales and many-toothed blackfish have dorsal fins, which are more falcate, slender, and pointed on the tip, and have longer, slenderer heads.

From Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic A Guide to Their Identification by Caldwell, David

They may be identified as pilot whales primarily by the robust body and bulbous head, often squarish in adult animals, and the broad-based, falcate dorsal fin located well forward on the animal's back.

From Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic A Guide to Their Identification by Caldwell, David

Wings.—Falcate; oblong; commonly slightly united at the tip in front of and inclosing the falcate, usually slender, pointed keel.

From The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth

Sharply pointed and falcate: forms angle of greater than 40° with back well more than one-third forward from tail.

From Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic A Guide to Their Identification by Caldwell, David