spicate

adjective

spi·​cate ˈspī-ˌkāt How to pronounce spicate (audio)
: arranged in the form of a spike
a spicate inflorescence

Word History

Etymology

Latin spicatus, past participle of spicare to arrange in the shape of heads of grain, from spica

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spicate was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near spicate

Cite this Entry

“Spicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicate. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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