uncinate

[ uhn-suh-nit, -neyt ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. hooked; bent at the end like a hook.

uncinate

/ ˈʌnsɪnɪt; -ˌneɪt /

adjective

1. shaped like a hook

   the uncinate process of the ribs of certain vertebrates

2. of, relating to, or possessing uncini

Other Words From

• sub·unci·nate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncinate¹

1750–60; < Latin uncīnāt ( us ) furnished with hooks, equivalent to uncīnus hook ( unc ( us ) hook + -īnus -ine ¹ ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncinate¹

C18: from Latin uncīnātus, from uncīnus a hook, from uncus

Example Sentences

The ribs have capitula and tubercula, and often uncinate processes (see p. 190) as in birds.

From Project Gutenberg

From near the distal end an imperfectly ossified uncinate process (see p. 190) projects backwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Projecting backwards from each is a large hooked uncinate process.

From Project Gutenberg

The peristomium has no setae, and the setae generally are hair-like or uncinate, often forming almost complete rings.

From Project Gutenberg

The thoracic ribs in almost all birds have large uncinate processes.

From Project Gutenberg