Carinae

/kəˈraɪni/ noun

Definition

Plural of carina; a series of keel-like structures or ridges found on organisms, particularly in anatomy and botany.

Etymology

Latin plural of 'carina' (keel). Used in scientific anatomy since the 17th century to describe anatomical structures resembling ship keels.

Kelly Says

The word 'carina' comes from Latin for 'ship's keel,' and scientists applied it to any ridge-like structure in nature because they're shaped like the bottom of a boat—it's a reminder that ancient metaphors live on in modern science.

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