What is "capitate"

Capitate \Cap"i*tate\ (k[a^]p"[i^]*t[asl]t), a. [L. capitatus fr. caput head.]

1. Headlike in form; also, having the distal end enlarged and rounded, as the stigmas of certain flowers.

2. (Bot.) Having the flowers gathered into a head.

"head-shaped," 1660s, from Latin capitatus "headed," from caput "head" (see capitulum).

1. 1 (context anatomy English) Having a distinct globular tip. 2 (context botany English) Forming a dense, head-like cluster, such as the inflorescences of composites. n. (anatomy) The capitate bone of the wrist. v

2. (context US health care English) To pay health-care providers using a capitation system.

adj. being abruptly enlarged and globose at the tip

n. the wrist bone with a rounded head shape that articulates with the 3rd metatarsal [syn: capitate bone, os capitatum]