The Collaborative International Dictionary
Acuminate \A*cu"mi*nate\, v. i.
To end in, or come to, a sharp point. ``Acuminating in a cone
of prelacy.''
--Milton.
Acuminate \A*cu"mi*nate\, v. t.
To render sharp or keen. [R.] ``To acuminate even despair.''
--Cowper.
Acuminate \A*cu"mi*nate\, a. [L. acuminatus, p. p. of acuminare to sharpen, fr. acumen. See Acumen.] Tapering to a point; pointed; as, acuminate leaves, teeth, etc.
Wiktionary
1 taper to a point; pointed. 2 (context botany mycology English) Tapering to a long point at its apex. v
1 (context transitive English) To render sharp or keen; to sharpen. 2 (context intransitive English) To end in or come to a sharp point.
WordNet
adj. of a leaf shape; narrowing to a slender point
v. make sharp or acute; taper; make (something) come to a point
Wikipedia
Tapering to a long point, such as in the shape of leaves or other botanical features such as the stamen filaments.
Category:Plant morphology
Usage examples of "acuminate".
A couched spear of acuminated granite rested by him while at his feet reposed a savage animal of the canine tribe whose stertorous gasps announced that he was sunk in uneasy slumber, a supposition confirmed by hoarse growls and spasmodic movements which his master repressed from time to time by tranquilising blows of a mighty cudgel rudely fashioned out of paleolithic stone.
A couched spear of acuminated granite rested by him while at his feet reposed a savage animal of the canine tribe whose stertorous gasps announced that he was sunk in uneasy slumber, a supposition confirmed by hoarse growls and spasmodic movements which his master repressed from time to time by tranquilising blows of a mighty cudgel rudely fashioned out of paleolithic stone.
Leaves deciduous, 3 to 5 inches long, about 2 inches wide, on petioles which have two pairs of reddish glands, they are obovate, acuminate, with incurved short teeth, thickish and smooth and glossy on upper surface.