Columniferous

/ˌkɒljuːmˈnɪfərəs/ adjective

Definition

Bearing or producing columns; characterized by the presence of columns or column-like structures.

Etymology

From Latin columna 'column' + -ferous (meaning 'bearing' or 'producing,' from ferre 'to carry'). This Latin-based adjective combines the column concept with the productive suffix -ferous used in botanical and biological terminology.

Kelly Says

This word is rarely used today, but it lives on in scientific names for plants and organisms that have columnar or pillar-like structures—some cacti are columniferous because they grow tall and straight like columns. Scientists love this word because it lets them describe a whole physical feature in one compact term.

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