plicate

adjective

pli·​cate ˈplī-ˌkāt How to pronounce plicate (audio)
1
: folded lengthwise like a fan
a plicate leaf
2
: having the surface thrown up into or marked with parallel ridges
plicate wing cases

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin plicātus "folded," past participle of plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

First Known Use

circa 1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plicate was circa 1760

Dictionary Entries Near plicate

plica circularis

plicate

plicatile

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Plicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plicate. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

plicate

1 of 2 transitive verb
pli·​cate ˈplī-ˌkāt How to pronounce plicate (audio)
plicated; plicating
: to perform plication on
the vein graft was then plicated by means of … sutures placed about 2 mm. apart—The Journal of the American Medical Association

plicate

2 of 2 adjective
variants or plicated
-ˌkāt-əd How to pronounce plicate (audio)
: being folded, tucked, or ridged especially like a fan
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