Denticulate

Denticulate is an adjective used in biology to describe a margin or surface bearing small, tooth-like projections. The word comes from Latin dens, tooth, with a diminutive suffix, and is used to distinguish fine, minute dentition from coarser forms of tooth-like edge. The corresponding noun forms are denticulation or denticle.

In botany, denticulate describes leaves, petals, or other organs with very small, evenly spaced teeth along their margins. The teeth are typically short and pointed or occasionally rounded, giving a finely toothed appearance that is less pronounced than a dentate or serrate margin.

In zoology and related fields, denticulate describes structures bearing small projections that resemble teeth, such as denticulate setae on arthropod appendages or denticulate edges on certain shells or seeds. The term is often used descriptively in taxonomic keys and floras to aid identification.

Distinctions: serrate margins have more prominent, forward-pointing teeth; dentate margins have teeth that are more widely spaced or larger; crenate margins show rounded teeth; crenulate margins have very fine, shallow teeth. Denticulate is specifically for fine, tooth-like projections. Noun forms include denticulation or denticulate teeth.

This definition helps distinguish subtle differences in morphology across plants and animals and is widely used in descriptive taxonomy and comparative anatomy.