Definition

Swollen or inflated, often unevenly, especially in a way that makes one side larger than the other.

Example

The ventricose shape of the gullet allowed the insect to store more food.

Conversation

Have you seen that plant with the ventricose leaves?

Yeah, it looks so unique and interesting!

I heard it’s really good for indoor air quality too.

That makes sense, especially with how ventricose it appears.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ventricose → It is formed from "ventriculus" (meaning little belly or cavity) and the suffix "-ose" (meaning full of or characterized by). The word "ventricose" describes something that is swollen or full, particularly in reference to a cavity or chamber.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'little belly' ('ventriculus') being 'full' ('-ose') — that's why ventricose refers to something that is swollen or full.

Visually Confused Words