HASTATE Meaning and
Definition
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Hastate is an adjective used to describe a specific shape or form found in botany and certain other fields of study. The term is derived from the Latin word "hasta," which means "spear." In the context of plant morphology, hastate refers to a leaf or lobe that resembles the shape of a spearhead.
A hastate leaf is typically triangular in form, with two angular lobes pointing outward like the tips of a spear. The base of the leaf is generally pointed, while the lobes may be shallow or deep, depending on the specific plant species. This distinctive shape is often observed in certain types of plants, such as some species of the Araceae family, taro plants, and arrowhead plants.
The hastate shape is known for its practicality, as it allows the plant to efficiently capture sunlight for photosynthesis by exposing a larger surface area to the sun. Additionally, the angular lobes of a hastate leaf can help to minimize water loss through transpiration, as they effectively reduce the leaf's overall surface area. These adaptive features make the hastate shape a common and successful leaf morphology in various plant species.
In conclusion, hastate is an adjective used to describe a triangular leaf or lobe shape resembling the head of a spear. This morphology aids in capturing sunlight for photosynthesis while minimizing water loss, and is commonly observed in species belonging to the Araceae family, taro plants, and arrowhead plants, among others.
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Spear-shaped; formed like the head of a halberd; in bot., applied to a leaf with two portions of the base projecting more or less completely at right angles to the blade.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HASTATE
- bastate
- nastate
- jastate
- uastate
- yastate
- hzstate
- hsstate
- hwstate
- hqstate
- haatate
- haztate
- haxtate
- hadtate
- haetate
- hawtate
- hasrate
- hasfate
- hasgate
- hasyate
Etymology of HASTATE
The word "hastate" comes from the Latin term "hasta", which means "spear". In Latin, "hastatus" refers to someone who carries a spear. Over time, this term was adapted into English as "hastate", specifically used to describe a spear-shaped leaf.
Similar spelling words for HASTATE
- hastier,
- hasten,
- hostage,
- hesitate,
- hosted,
- Hesitated,
- hesitates,
- hasty,
- statue,
- state,
- haste,
- estate.
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