patulate

Patulate is a rare English term used as a verb and, less commonly, as an adjective. It appears chiefly in specialized or historical texts and does not have a single, universally accepted definition. Broadly, patulate denotes a surface, feature, or condition that is described as having a patina, or as exhibiting a spread-out or flattened form depending on the discipline and context.

Etymology and usage notes are not settled. The origin of patulate is unclear in standard reference works; some scholars suggest a link with Latin patulus “spreading” or “open,” while others treat it as a specialized term formed by analogy with patina. Because its use is so restricted, its precise meaning often varies by author and field.

In botanical writing, patulate has been encountered in older or niche texts to describe certain plant parts with a broad, flattened character at or near attachment points. The term is not widely adopted in contemporary plant morphology, where more precise descriptors are typically preferred.

In discussions of materials, surfaces, or finishes, patulate may appear to indicate a surface that has acquired or is treated to acquire a patina. However, this sense is likewise uncommon and not standardized; modern writers more often use patina, patinated, or related terms.

See also: Patina, Patulous, Glossary of botanical terms.