circinate

adjective

cir·​ci·​nate ˈsər-sə-ˌnāt How to pronounce circinate (audio)
: rounded, coiled
especially : rolled in the form of a flat coil with the apex as a center
circinate fern fronds unfolding
circinately adverb

Word History

Etymology

Latin circinatus, past participle of circinare to round, from circinus pair of compasses, from circus

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circinate was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near circinate

Cite this Entry

“Circinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circinate. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

circinate

adjective
cir·​ci·​nate ˈsər-sᵊn-ˌāt How to pronounce circinate (audio)
of lesions
: having a sharply circumscribed and somewhat circular margin
scaly circinate dermatophytids
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