View synonyms for ovate

ovate

[ oh-veyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

egg-shaped.
Botany.
1. having a shape like the longitudinal section of an egg.
2. having such a shape with the broader end at the base, as a leaf.

ovate

/ ˈəʊveɪt /

shaped like an egg
See obovate
(esp of a leaf) shaped like the longitudinal section of an egg, with the broader end at the base Compare obovate

Origin of ovate¹

1750–60; < Latin ōvātus, equivalent to ōv ( um ) egg ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Origin of ovate¹

C18: from Latin ōvātus egg-shaped; see ovum

This arrangement of the scales gradually assumes a uniform appearance on the neck close to the head, where they are ovate.

The tail one-fourth the length of the body, covered with uniform ovate quadrangular scales.

Herbivorous; apod, or with very short legs: body ovate or obovate, slimy.

The general outline is oblong-ovate, the lowest pinnæ being scarcely, if at all, shorter than those in the middle of the frond.

At the base they are covered with large ovate-acuminate brown or sometimes dark and shining scales.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse