mandibulate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //mænˈdɪb.jʊ.leɪt//
KK: /mænˈdɪb.jə.leɪt/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has a jaw or jaws, especially in reference to certain animals or insects.
Example
The mandibulate insects have strong jaws that help them chew their food.
Conversation
Did you know that some creatures are mandibulate?
Really? I thought that was just a technical term.
Yeah, it refers to animals that have mandibles, like crabs and insects.
That's fascinating! Nature has so many unique adaptations.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
jawed
mandibular
chewing
Antonyms
toothless
unjawed
smooth
noun
Definition
A type of insect that has mandibles, which are jaw-like structures used for biting and chewing.
Example
The beetle is a mandibulate insect known for its strong jaws.
Conversation
Did you see that documentary about insects last night?
Yeah, it was fascinating! I didn't know there were so many types of mandibulate species.
Right? I was surprised by how they use their mandibles for different purposes.
Root Explanation
Mandibulate → It is formed from "mandibula" (from Latin, meaning jaw) and the suffix "-ate" (meaning to make or to do). The word refers to the action or process related to the jaw, particularly in the context of certain animals that have jaw-like structures.
Memory Tip
Think of 'mandibula' which means jaw, and remember that 'mandibulate' relates to actions involving the jaw.
Visually Confused Words
emandibulate
manipulate