What does plicature mean?
A plicature is a fold, crease, or pleat, or the process of making such a fold. The term can refer to a deliberate arrangement in fabric, but it is especially associated with anatomy and biology, where folds in tissues or organs may have structural or functional importance. Its occurrence in the plural, as in 'plicatures of the intestinal wall,' conveys repeated folds or folds at several points. Plicature is less common in general conversation than fold, crease, or pleat, and its use often gives a passage a technical or formal tone. The word is related to Latin plicare, meaning 'to fold,' and belongs to the same family as plication and plicate.
nounA fold or crease, especially in a material or anatomical structure; also, the act or process of folding. The word is chiefly used in technical and formal contexts.
- A fold, crease, or pleat in a material or anatomical structure.
- The act or process of folding, especially a repeated or deliberate folding.
"The surgeon examined the plicature of the tissue before proceeding."
"The cloth formed a neat plicature along the edge."
"Anatomical plicature can increase the surface area of an organ."
Used for individual folds or repeated folding, especially in tissues or materials.
"The specialist noted the plicatures along the inner wall."
Plicature comes from the same Latin root as the common word 'complex', reminding us that both ideas involve folding or intertwining.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plicature come from?
The word comes from Latin plicatura, meaning 'a folding' or 'fold,' formed from plicare, 'to fold.' In English, it developed into a term for a fold or crease, particularly one occurring in a material or anatomical structure. Its Latin relatives include plicate, meaning folded or pleated, and plication, meaning a folding or fold.
How plicature is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more typical of technical, anatomical, or formal writing than everyday speech.