Reticação

Reticação is a Portuguese term that designates the act or result of forming a net-like, interlaced pattern. The word derives from Latin reticulatio, meaning net. Its use is limited and often superseded by more common terms such as reticulação or rede, depending on the field.

In botany, reticação may refer to reticulation of leaf venation, where veins form a net-like network rather than running in parallel. This trait is described as reticulate venation and is common in many plant groups.

In geology and materials science, the term can describe mesh-like fracture patterns or networks in crystalline structures and rocks, formed by stress or mineral growth that produces a net of interconnecting lines.

In architecture and design, reticulated structures describe open frameworks, such as lattices or meshes, created by repeating interconnected elements to form a lightweight, strong skeleton. Reticulated foams, metal meshes, and similar assemblies are examples.

In broader usage, reticação (or its synonyms) is used to convey the idea of a network or mesh in various disciplines; however, the term is comparatively rare and regional, and many authors prefer reticulación, rede, or malha.

See also: reticulation, reticulum, reticular.