acuminate

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   tapering gradually to a long, narrow point, especially in botanical or zoological description

   US /əˈkjuːmənət/ UK /əˈkjuːmɪnət/

   The insect's first wing feather ended in an acuminate tip.

2. 2
   verb

   to sharpen or make pointed

   US /əˈkjuːməˌneɪt/ UK /əˈkjuːmɪneɪt/

   The craftworker used a fine tool to acuminate the end of the wooden pin.

Borrowed from Latin acuminatus, the past participle of acuminare ("to sharpen"), from acumen ("point, sharpness"). The adjective is common in technical descriptions of leaves, feathers, teeth, and other structures that narrow to a point.

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