pectinate

adjective

pec·​ti·​nate ˈpek-tə-ˌnāt 

: having narrow parallel projections or divisions suggestive of the teeth of a comb

pectinate antennae

pectination

ˌpek-tə-ˈnā-shən 

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

Medical Definition

pectinate

1 of 2 adjective

pec·​ti·​nate ˈpek-tə-ˌnāt 

: 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