Applanate

/əˈplænɪt/ adjective

Definition

Flattened or pressed flat; having a broad, flat surface.

Etymology

From Latin applanatus, past participle of applanare (to flatten), from ad- (to) + planus (flat). The root planus appears in English words like 'plane' and 'plain.' It describes something that has been made flat or is naturally flattened.

Kelly Says

Botanists and zoologists love this word when describing leaves, shells, or bodies that are unnaturally or characteristically flat. A pancake is applanate, a flounder fish is applanate—basically if something got squished or evolved to be super-flat, this is the scientific word for it!

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