Guttate

/ˈɡʌteɪt/ adjective

Definition

Spotted or marked with small drop-like or dot-like markings, especially in biology and geology.

Etymology

From Latin 'gutta' meaning drop, + '-ate' suffix indicating possession of a quality. The term describes patterns that look like liquid drops have marked a surface.

Kelly Says

Many bird feathers and flower petals are beautifully guttate—what looks like random drops is actually nature's way of creating pattern and camouflage that helps species survive.

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