rugose

adjective

ru·​gose ˈrü-ˌgōs 

1

: full of wrinkles

rugose cheeks

2

: having the veinlets sunken and the spaces between elevated

rugose leaves of the sage

rugosity

rü-ˈgä-sə-tē 

noun

Did you know?

Rugose was borrowed into English in the late 17th century from the Latin adjective rugosus ("wrinkled"), which itself derives from "ruga" ("wrinkle"). One descendant of "ruga" that you'll probably recognize is "corrugate," which initially meant "to form or shape into wrinkles or folds." Another, which might be more familiar to scientists, is rugulose, meaning "finely wrinkled." In addition, there is the noun "rugosity," which can refer to either the quality or state of being full of wrinkles or an individual wrinkled place.

Examples of rugose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Diseases such as wheat blast in Asia, which is projected to reduce global wheat production by 13% until 2050, potato blight in Europe, and rugose virus in Australia have all infiltrated new regions due to warmer temperatures and fluctuating humidity. —Valeria Kogan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus was spreading, and unidentified diseases were afflicting onions and cabbages in Uganda, which was on the verge of being overrun by banana bunchy top virus. —Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin rugosus, from ruga

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rugose

• aloes
• arose
• bedclothes
• bestows
• boroughs
• buboes
• cargoes
• cocos
• compose
• crossbows
• demos
• depose

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Medical Definition

rugose

adjective

ru·​gose ˈrü-ˌgōs 

: having many wrinkles

rugose skin