ru·gose \ˈrüˌgōs, -ōz\adjective Etymology: Latin rugosus wrinkled, from ruga wrinkle + -osus -ose — more at rough 1.: full of wrinkles < rugose cheeks > 2.botany: having the veinlets sunken and the spaces between elevated < the rugose leaves of the sage and the horehound > — compare bullate • ru·gose·lyadverb