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pecten

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈpɛk.tən/

KK: /ˈpɛktən/

noun
Definition

A structure or organ in animals that looks like a comb, often found in the eye of birds and reptiles, or referring to a type of scallop.


Example

The pecten in the bird's eye helps to supply nutrients to the retina.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term pecten?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it has something to do with birds' eyes or something.
Sloth A
Exactly! It's that comb-like structure in their eyes.
Sloth B
That's really interesting! Nature has some cool designs.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
comb
crest
ridge
Antonyms
smooth
flat
plain
Root Explanation

Pecten → It originates from Latin 'pecten' (meaning comb), which is derived from 'pectere' (meaning to comb or to arrange). The word refers to a structure that resembles a comb, often used in biological contexts to describe certain anatomical features.

Memory Tip

Imagine a comb used to arrange hair — that's how 'pecten' relates to structures that look like a comb.

Visually Confused Words
piecen
perten
pecite
ectene
pete
peen
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