pinnate

adjective

pin·​nate ˈpi-ˌnāt How to pronounce pinnate (audio)
: resembling a feather especially in having similar parts arranged on opposite sides of an axis like the barbs on the rachis of a feather
a pinnate leaf
see leaf illustration
pinnately adverb

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pinnatus, from Latin, feathered, from pinna feather, wing, fin

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinnate was in 1687

Dictionary Entries Near pinnate

Cite this Entry

“Pinnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinnate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pinnate

adjective
pin·​nate ˈpin-ˌāt How to pronounce pinnate (audio)
: resembling a feather especially in having similar parts arranged on opposite sides of a long thin central part like a stem
a pinnate leaf
pinnately adverb
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