Definition of fusiform in English:
fusiform
adjective ˈfjuːzɪfɔːmˈfjuzəˌfɔrm
Zoology Botany Tapering at both ends; spindle-shaped.
a fusiform elongated body
Example sentencesExamples
- The Pisaniinae comprise ovate to fusiform gastropods whose shells are sculptured with axial ribs and finer spiral cords and threads.
- Sharp, low ridges delimit fusiform areas along the body surface with fine transverse striation recognizable in places.
- Labellar papillae show greater diversity, and may be conical, obpyriform, villiform, fusiform or clavate.
- The most conspicuous features of these elongate fusiform actinopterygians consist of one or two rows of anamestic supraorbital bones, a mosaic of suborbitals, and the presence of two rows of extrascapulars in one species.
- The bodies of catsharks are fusiform (cylindrical, tapering at the ends) to slightly depressed.
Origin
Mid 18th century: from Latin fusus ‘spindle’ + -form.
Definition of fusiform in US English:
fusiform
adjectiveˈfyo͞ozəˌfôrmˈfjuzəˌfɔrm
Botany Zoology Tapering at both ends; spindle-shaped.
a fusiform elongated body
Example sentencesExamples
- The bodies of catsharks are fusiform (cylindrical, tapering at the ends) to slightly depressed.
- The most conspicuous features of these elongate fusiform actinopterygians consist of one or two rows of anamestic supraorbital bones, a mosaic of suborbitals, and the presence of two rows of extrascapulars in one species.
- Sharp, low ridges delimit fusiform areas along the body surface with fine transverse striation recognizable in places.
- Labellar papillae show greater diversity, and may be conical, obpyriform, villiform, fusiform or clavate.
- The Pisaniinae comprise ovate to fusiform gastropods whose shells are sculptured with axial ribs and finer spiral cords and threads.
Origin
Mid 18th century: from Latin fusus ‘spindle’ + -form.