Pinnatifid

Pinnatifid describes a leaf shape or other biological structure that is deeply divided into lobes or segments, resembling the feather-like appearance of pinnate leaves, but where the divisions do not reach the midrib or central axis of the leaf. These lobes are generally narrow and pointed, creating a partially divided effect. The term is most commonly used in botany to describe leaves, but can also be applied to other anatomical structures exhibiting a similar segmented pattern. The depth of the incisions distinguishes pinnatifid from other lobed leaf types, with pinnatifid exhibiting cuts deeper than lobed or parted, but shallower than pinnatisect.

Pinnatifid meaning with examples

• The botanist carefully examined the oak tree's leaves, noting the deeply incised margins. The leaves presented a clear example of a pinnatifid structure, the pointed lobes creating a characteristic feather-like appearance that contrasted sharply with the smoother leaves of the neighboring maple tree. The distinctive segmentation made the leaf easily identifiable under the microscope and important to its function.
• In the botanical garden's herbarium, the pressed specimen of the wild carrot displayed strikingly pinnatifid leaves. Each leaf was cut nearly to the center, yet retaining its connection, resulting in slender, pointed segments. This intricate pattern, typical of the plant's family, helped distinguish it from other similar species. The delicate details of the pinnatifid structure had been well preserved within the herbarium, allowing for its proper identification.
• The artist, inspired by nature, sketched the intricate detail of the thistle's foliage. The leaves displayed pronounced pinnatifid segmentation, their sharp lobes creating a dramatic visual contrast. The artist focused on capturing the play of light and shadow across the leaf's surface, emphasizing the depth and three-dimensionality of the pinnatifid structure. The dramatic shape of each leaf was central to the artwork.
• Examining the fossilized fern leaf, the paleobotanist observed a remarkably preserved pinnatifid pattern. The leaf's edges, despite the passage of time, showcased the deep, yet not quite divided, lobes characteristic of the term. This discovery provided valuable insights into the ancient plant's evolutionary history and its environmental adaptation. The precise shape, and the lack of divisions reaching the midrib, definitively identified the pinnatifid leaf.