Word Study
turbinate
CIDE DICTIONARY
turbinate, v. i.
To revolve or spin like a top; to whirl. [1913 Webster]
turbinate, a. [L. turbinatus, fr. turbo, turben, turbinis, a whirl, top.].
- Whirling in the manner of a top. [1913 Webster]"A spiral and turbinated motion of the whole." [1913 Webster]
- Shaped like a top, or inverted cone; narrow at the base, and broad at the apex; as, a turbinated ovary, pericarp, or root. [1913 Webster]
- Turbinal. [1913 Webster]
- Spiral with the whorls decreasing rapidly from a large base to a pointed apex; -- said of certain shells. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
turbinate, adj.
1 shaped like a spinning-top or inverted cone.
2 (of a shell) with whorls decreasing rapidly in size.
3 Anat. (esp. of some nasal bones) shaped like a scroll.
1 shaped like a spinning-top or inverted cone.
2 (of a shell) with whorls decreasing rapidly in size.
3 Anat. (esp. of some nasal bones) shaped like a scroll.
Derivative
turbinal adj. turbination n.
Etymology
L turbinatus (as TURBINE)
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