Ovate

Ovate describes a shape that is egg-like or oval, with the broader end at the base and tapering towards the apex. It's a term frequently used in botany, zoology, and art to describe the outlines of leaves, shells, or other natural or designed forms. The term specifically indicates a curved form that mirrors the cross-section of an egg, distinct from other oval shapes that might be symmetrical or elongated. Variations include 'obovate', where the broader end is closer to the apex, and the term provides a precise descriptor for rounded, asymmetrical forms.

Ovate meaning with examples

• The botanist carefully examined the leaf's ovate shape, noting the gradual tapering from the base of the petiole to the pointed tip. He compared it to other leaves in the genus, finding slight variations in the degree of curvature. The ovate leaves were characteristic of the species and helped distinguish it from related plants with more linear or lanceolate forms. This precise shape was key to the plant's identification.
• The artist, inspired by nature, sketched a series of shells, paying particular attention to their ovate contours. He studied the way the curve of the shell broadened at the base and gracefully tapered towards the apex. He worked meticulously to capture the egg-like form, the delicate interplay of light and shadow across the surface, and how it differed between various examples in the collection.
• The paleontologist studied the fossilized remains of an ancient egg, noting its distinct ovate structure. The shape, carefully preserved through millennia, provided valuable insight into the size and characteristics of the creature that laid the egg. This ovate form contrasted to other previously discovered specimens found in the area offering evidence of distinct species and evolving morphology over millions of years.
• In his architectural design, the architect incorporated an ovate window in the church's entrance, creating a focal point and a unique visual element. The rounded, egg-shaped window allowed for a flow of natural light, playing to the symmetry of the entrance, and also a dramatic, aesthetic contrast to the linear design of the other windows. The shape was chosen specifically for its perceived balance and visual appeal.