pectinate

adjective

pec·​ti·​nate ˈpek-tə-ˌnāt How to pronounce pectinate (audio)
: having narrow parallel projections or divisions suggestive of the teeth of a comb
pectinate antennae
pectination noun

Word History

Etymology

Latin pectinatus, from pectin-, pecten comb; akin to Greek kten-, kteis comb

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pectinate was in 1757

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Cite this Entry

“Pectinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pectinate. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

pectinate

1 of 2 adjective
pec·​ti·​nate ˈpek-tə-ˌnāt How to pronounce pectinate (audio)
: having narrow parallel projections or divisions suggestive of the teeth of a comb

pectinate

2 of 2 noun
: a salt or ester of a pectinic acid
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