pectinate Meaning & Definition
What Does Pectinate Mean?
Pectinate is an adjective that means Resembling a comb. It can also mean Having narrow ridges or projections aligned close together like the teeth of a comb. As a verb, it means To fit together in an alternating manner; to interlock or interdigitate. As a noun, it means An ester or salt formed of pectinic acid.
Pectinate: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈpɛktəneɪt// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | rough |
| Plural | pectinates |
| Verb forms | pectinates, pectinating, pectinated |
Pectinate Definition (Adjective)
- Resembling a comb.
The moth's antennae were pectinate in shape, set with long teeth along one edge only.
- Having narrow ridges or projections aligned close together like the teeth of a comb.
The moth's antennae were pectinate in shape, set with long teeth along one edge only.
- Striate.
Pectinate as a Verb
- To fit together in an alternating manner; to interlock or interdigitate.
Pectinate as a Noun
- An ester or salt formed of pectinic acid.
Adjective
- Having segments which are greatly lengthened to one side.
The moth's antennae were pectinate in shape, set with long teeth along one edge only.
Synonyms of Pectinate
Pectinate synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Pectinate
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Pectinate in a Sentence
The moth's antennae were pectinate in shape, set with long teeth along one edge only.
Word Forms & Grammar
pectinate (not comparable)
pectinate (third-person singular simple present pectinates, present participle pectinating, simple past and past participle pectinated)
pectinate (plural pectinates)
Words That Rhyme With Pectinate
Origin of Pectinate
Origin 1: Borrowed from Latin pectinātus (“combed”), from pectinō (“to comb”), from pecten (“comb”). First attested in the mid-18th century.[1] By surface analysis, Latin pectin- (“comb, scallop”) + -ate.
Origin 2: From pectin + -ate (“chemical suffix”).
Pectinate Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of pectinate is //ˈpɛktəneɪt//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Pectinate
Is pectinate an adjective or a verb?
Pectinate is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a verb and a noun.
What is another word for pectinate?
You can replace pectinate with words such as rough. See the full list of pectinate synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of pectinate?
The plural of pectinate is pectinates.
What is the past tense of pectinate?
The past tense of pectinate is pectinated. The present participle is pectinating.