Definition of unguiculate

< unguent

unguis >

un·guic·u·late    (ng-gwky-lt, -lt) KEY  also un·guic·u·lat·ed  (-ltd) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Having or resembling nails or claws.
2. Zoology Having nails or claws, as opposed to hooves. Used of mammals.
3. Botany Having a claw-shaped base: an unguiculate petal.

NOUN:
Zoology

A mammal having nails or claws.

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ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin unguicultus, from Latin unguiculus, fingernail, diminutive of unguis ; see unguis