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Main definitions of ovate in English

: ovate1ovate2

ovate1

adjective

Biology

  • Having an oval outline or ovoid shape, like an egg.

    ‘The lobes, which are preserved as carbonized remains of round or ovate outline, have a thickened or darkened rim.’
    • ‘This proposed suborder is defined by a number of synapomorphies of the carapace including ovate shape, presence of an oblique fold, short hinge line, and a convex posterior margin.’
    • ‘The surfaces have an ovate outline and are mildly convex.’
    • ‘The shape varies but it is usually ovate, kidney-shaped, or bean-shaped.’
    • ‘The red mangrove with smaller, ovate leaves, grows in the shallow edges of the water.’
    oval, egg-shaped, elliptic, ovate, ovoid, oviform, ellipsoidal

Pronunciation

ovate

/ˈōˌvāt/ /ˈoʊˌveɪt/

Origin

Mid 18th century from Latin ovatus ‘egg-shaped’.

Main definitions of ovate in English

: ovate1ovate2

ovate2

noun

  • 1A member of an order of Welsh bards recognized at an Eisteddfod.

    1. 1.1 historical A Celtic priest or natural philosopher.

Pronunciation

ovate

/ˈōˌvāt/ /ˈoʊˌveɪt/

Origin

Early 18th century from the Greek plural ouateis ‘soothsayers’.