tur·bi·nate (tûr b -n t, -n t ) also tur·bi·nat·ed (-ntd)adj. 1. Shaped like a top. 2. Spinning like a top. 3. Zoology Spiral and decreasing sharply in diameter from base to apex. Used especially of shells. 4. Anatomy Of, relating to, or designating a small curved bone that extends horizontally along the lateral wall of the nasal passage in higher vertebrates. [Latin turbin tus, from turb , turbin-, spinning top; see turbine.] |
turbinate [ˈtɜːbɪnɪt -ˌneɪt], turbinal [ˈtɜːbɪnəl]
adj also turbinated
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Anatomy of or relating to any of the thin scroll-shaped bones situated on the walls of the nasal passages
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) shaped like a spiral or scroll
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (esp of the shells of certain molluscs) shaped like an inverted cone
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) Also called nasal concha a turbinate bone
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a turbinate shell
[from Latin turbō spinning top]
turbination n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  turbinate - any of the scrolled spongy bones of the nasal passages in man and other vertebratesnasal concha - one of several turbinate bones in the nasal cavity nose, olfactory organ - the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals; "he has a cold in the nose" |
| Adj. | 1. |  turbinate - of or relating to the scroll-shaped turbinate bones in the nasal passages |
| 2. |  turbinate - in the shape of a coil coiled - curled or wound (especially in concentric rings or spirals); "a coiled snake ready to strike"; "the rope lay coiled on the deck" |
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