lunate
/ˈluːneɪt
/adjective
Crescent-shaped.The lunate microsporophylls and densely packed sporangia are consistent with the morphology of other noeggerathialean cones, such as Discinites Feistmanlel....
- Tellingly, a structure called the lunate sulcus was pushed toward the back of her brain, as it is in H. sapiens's, leaving more space for areas involved in advanced association, forward planning, and problem solving.
- It is supported by a narrow lunate platform along the dorsal margin.
noun
1 Archaeology A crescent-shaped prehistoric stone implement.The association of lunates and stone polishers in two of the burials found at the site is also significant....
- It is only in the rock-shelter area, B, that we have classic lunates, here residuals in neolithic levels.
- Neolithic tools like points, trapezes and lunates made of chert and chalcedony, besides stone querns and grinders, decorated bone objects, pieces of ochre and human burials were also found here.
2 (also lunate bone) Anatomy A crescent-shaped carpal bone situated in the centre of the wrist and articulating with the radius.The proximal row of carpal bones includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform, which are closely approximated to the distal radius....
- In prolonged cases, osteophytes may occur at the dorsal rim of the distal radius or dorsal aspects of the scaphoid or lunate.
- When the ulna is shorter than the radius, the lunate bone absorbs more force when the wrist is used for heavy gripping activities.
Origin
Late 18th century: from Latin lunatus, from luna 'moon'.