pectinate

[ pek-tuh-neyt ]

adjective

1. formed into or having closely parallel, toothlike projections that resemble the teeth of a comb.

pectinate

/ ˈpɛktɪˌneɪt /

adjective

1. shaped like a comb

   pectinate antennae

Derived Forms

• ˌpectiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• pecti·nately adverb
• pecti·nation noun
• sub·pecti·nate adjective
• sub·pecti·nated adjective
• subpec·ti·nation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectinate¹

First recorded in 1785–95; from Latin pectinātus, past participle of pectināre “to comb, rake” equivalent to pectin-, stem of pecten “comb, rake” + -ātus past participle suffix; pecten, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectinate¹

C18: from Latin pectinātus combed; see pecten

Example Sentences

Previous analyses have tended to arrange parvipelvians in a pectinate arrangement: that is, where each taxon represents an additional step on a phylogenetic tree that has ophthalmosaurids at its ‘tip’.

From Scientific American

Leaves all pectinate, the divisions linear-awl-shaped; fruit rather obtusely angled.—Sandy swamps, near the coast, Mass. to Fla. and La. 3.

From Project Gutenberg

Feet usually small and weak; toes, three in front, one behind; middle toe-nail pectinate or combed; bill small; mouth very large and usually beset by long bristles.

From Project Gutenberg

The Rhipidophoridae are beetles with, short elytra, the feelers pectinate in the males and serrate in the females.

From Project Gutenberg

The margin is thin and marked by deep furrows and ridges, so that it is deeply striate, or the terms sulcate or pectinate sulcate are used to express the character of the margin.

From Project Gutenberg