pinnate adjective. ['pɪneɪt] E18.
[Latin pinnatus, from pinna, penna: see PINNA noun², -ATE².]
1. Botany & Zoology. Resembling a feather; having lateral parts or branches on each side of a common axis, like the vanes of a feather; having feather-like markings; (of a compound leaf) composed of a series of (usu. opposite) leaflets arranged on each side of a common petiole. E18.
odd-pinnate: see ODD adjective.

2. Physical Geography. Of a drainage pattern: marked by closely-spaced tributaries meeting a stream at an acute angle. M20.

■ pinnately adverb M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲