Capitate

Quick meaning: Capitate is an adjective meaning (anatomy) Having a distinct globular tip.

Meaning

(anatomy) Having a distinct globular tip.

More Meanings

1. (botany, zoology) Topped with a dense, head-like cluster, such as the inflorescences of composites or the antennae of some insects.
2. (anatomy) The capitate bone of the wrist.
3. (US, health care) To pay health-care providers using a capitation system.

Example Sentences

Capitate antennae are thin through most of the structure, then abruptly widen, so it looks like the head of a pin sitting on the end of the antennae. This antennal shape is commonly found in butterflies.

1913 Henry Gray: Anatomy Descriptive and Applied The capitate bone is the largest of the carpal bones, and occupies the centre of the wrist. It presents, above, a rounded portion or head, which is received into the concavity formed by the navicular and lunate; a constricted portion or neck; and below this, the body. The superior surface is round, smooth, and articulates with the lunate.

Word Forms

• capitates
• capitating
• capitated

Synonyms for capitate

Depending on context, synonyms include round, circular.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include round, circular, apices, capituliform, unicapitate, multicapitate.

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