capitate

1 of 2

adjective

cap·​i·​tate ˈka-pə-ˌtāt How to pronounce capitate (audio)
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of capitate was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near capitate

Cite this Entry

“Capitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

capitate

1 of 2 adjective
cap·​i·​tate ˈkap-ə-ˌtāt How to pronounce capitate (audio)
: 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
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