Word of the Day
Erose (i-ROHS)
· Common clues: Like a maple leaf; Notched, as a leaf; Irregularly notched
· Crossword puzzle frequency: 9 times a year
Definition: Jagged or irregularly notched, as a leaf
Etymology: From Latin rosus meaning gnawed off.
Double serrate
coarsely serrate margin with smaller teeth on the margins of larger teeth.
Denticulate
margins with small pointed teeth directed outward, perpendicular to the midrib, diminutive of dentate.
Broad-crenate
margins with widely spaced, rounded or blunt teeth, e.g., many violets (Viola, Violaceae).
Serrulate
margins with small pointed teeth directed forward, towards the apex of the leaf, diminutive of serrate.
Erose
with margins appearing gnawed, indentations shallow and irregular.
[Courtesy: Northern Ontario Plant Database]
Notice
the erose, or irregular quality, of the margin on the flower shown
on this Cuban stamp.
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