Fossulate

/ˈfɔsuːleɪt/ adjective

Definition

Having small grooves, pits, or depressions; marked with fossulae.

Etymology

From Latin fossula (small ditch) plus the suffix -ate, meaning 'having the characteristic of.' Created in anatomical terminology to describe textured surfaces.

Kelly Says

Fossil-hunters look for fossulate bone surfaces because these grooves often preserve details about where muscles and tendons connected to extinct animals!

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