Monikehäinen

Monikehäinen is a Finnish adjective meaning “having many rings” or “multiringed.” It is formed from the prefix moni- (many) and kehä (ring) with the standard adjective suffix -inen. The term is used in Finnish-language scientific and descriptive texts to characterize objects or structures that display several concentric rings.

In planetary geology and astronomy, monikehäinen is commonly applied to describe features with multiple circular rims, such as multiring basins observed on the surfaces of planets and moons. The descriptor highlights the ringed, concentric pattern of the feature rather than its other characteristics.

In botany and horticulture, the word may be used to describe floral arrangements, leaves, or inflorescences that occur in several circular whorls around a center, producing a layered, ring-like appearance. In architecture and decorative arts, monikehäinen can describe ornaments composed of several concentric bands.

Usage notes emphasize that monikehäinen conveys the presence of multiple rings but does not by itself specify ring width, spacing, or the exact number of rings; additional qualifiers may be used for precision. The opposite form for a single ring is monokehäinen.

See also: kehä (ring); monikähäinen (possible related variants in Finnish morphology); multiring basins (English-language term used in planetary geology).