Exareolate

/ˌɛɡzəˈriːoʊleɪt/ adjective

Definition

In botany and zoology, lacking areoles (small distinct areas or cells on a surface, especially on cacti or insect wings).

Etymology

From Latin 'ex-' (without) + 'areola' (small area) + '-ate' (adjective suffix); a scientific term coined in the 19th century for describing surface structures.

Kelly Says

Scientists examining a cactus or butterfly wing noticed that not all species had those neat little boxes and cells—so they named the ones that didn't 'exareolate,' basically saying 'this one's missing its floor plan.'

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