Corniculated

Corniculated is an adjective used in scientific description to indicate that a structure bears small horn-like projections or is horn-shaped. The term derives from Latin corniculus, meaning “little horn,” formed from cornu (horn) with the diminutive suffix and adapted into English as corniculated.

In anatomy and zoology, corniculated describes bones, cartilage, or other tissues that display horn-like processes or projections. In botany, corniculated plant parts carry slender, horn-like appendages along stems or leaf margins, aiding in morphological distinctions. In paleontology and archaeology, the term helps describe surface ornamentation or small protrusions on fossils or artifacts, contributing to classification and comparison.

The word is related to corniculus and to the slightly different forms corniculum, corniculated, or corniculated in some texts; usage can vary by discipline. When writing, it is advisable to follow the preferred variant in the relevant field and to provide a clear specimen-specific description to avoid ambiguity. In all cases, corniculated denotes the presence of discrete horn-like features rather than a broad horned appearance.