What does scutellate mean?
Scutellate is a technical adjective describing a body surface or anatomical structure composed of small shield-like plates called scutella. It is especially associated with insects, whose wing covers and other structures may be divided into distinct scutellar sections, but it can also describe other shield-bearing animals. The word's principal value is its precision: where “plated” or “armored” gives a broad impression, “scutellate” identifies a covering made up of identifiable shield-like units. It can also indicate that something resembles a small shield in shape. This specialized meaning makes scutellate particularly useful in entomology, zoology, and comparative anatomy, though it will rarely be encountered in ordinary English.
adjectiveHaving or consisting of small shield-like plates, especially when describing the segmented covering of an insect or other arthropod. In zoology, it may also mean shaped like a shield.
- Divided into small shield-like plates or scutella, especially as an anatomical covering.
- Shaped like a small shield.
"The beetle's dark, scutellate back provides both protection and effective camouflage."
"The entomologist examined the scutellate surface of the insect's thorax."
"A scutellate plate forms part of the turtle-like shell in certain reptiles."
Scutellate is the zoological term for nature's armor made from many small, shield-like plates.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scutellate come from?
The word derives from Latin scutella, a diminutive of scutum, meaning “shield.” The suffix -ate combines with this stem in the formation of scutellate. Related English words include scute, scutum, and scutellum, all reflecting the same Latin root for a shield or shield-like structure.
Related word forms
How scutellate is actually used
This is chiefly a technical zoological and entomological term. It is more specific than simply describing an animal as armored or plated.
Easily confused with scutellate
Scutellate describes a covering divided into small shield-like plates or scutella, whereas scutate describes a surface covered with larger scales or scutes.