Having or bearing a calyptra; possessing a distinctive cap-like protective covering, especially in botanical or zoological contexts.
From Greek kalyptra (cap, veil) plus the English adjective suffix -ate, used in scientific and naturalistic description. Established in English scientific writing during the 18th-19th centuries.
When scientists add the suffix -ate to describe structures, they're essentially saying 'this organism is characterized by having this feature'—so 'calyptrate' is nature's way of wearing a distinctive hat that identifies which family you belong to!
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