capitate

1 of 2

adjective

cap·​i·​tate ˈka-pə-ˌtāt 

1

: forming a rounded head

a capitate flower cluster

2

: having an enlarged rounded end or protuberance

The larvae usually have capitate dorsal hairs.

—Jan Havelka and Petr Starý

Capitate and peltate glandular trichomes were found on the surface of leaves and flower petals.

—Aziemah Abdul Manan et al.

capitate

2 of 2

noun

plural capitates

: the largest bone of the wrist that is situated between the hamate and the trapezoid and that articulates with the base of the third metacarpal

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin capitatus headed, from capit-, caput head

Noun

short for capitate bone

First Known Use

Adjective

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

capitate

1 of 2 adjective

cap·​i·​tate ˈkap-ə-ˌtāt 

: abruptly enlarged and globular

capitate

2 of 2 noun

: the largest bone of the wrist that is situated between the hamate and the trapezoid in the distal row of carpal bones and that articulates with the third metacarpal