Word of the Day
EROSE (ih-ROHS)
Jagged or irregularly notched, as a leaf
Etymology: From Latin rosus meaning gnawed off.
Common clues: Like a maple leaf; Notched, as a leaf; Irregularly notched; Uneven
Crossword puzzle frequency: once a year
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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