plättchenförmigen

Plättchenförmig is a German adjective used to describe objects that have a flat, disc-like shape. The inflected form plättchenförmigen is used to modify nouns in appropriate grammatical cases, such as plural or certain cases in sentences.

Morphology and definition

A plättchenförmig body is typically a thin, flattened circular or oval structure with a relatively small thickness compared to its diameter. The term emphasizes planarity and a plate-like geometry rather than a spherical or elongated form.

Usage in biology

In biology and medicine, the descriptor is used for small cells or cellular fragments that resemble discs. Blood platelets, or Thrombozyten, are often described as plättchenförmig in their resting state, appearing as small flat discs that become irregular when activated. The term can also apply to other cell types or particle fragments that share a disc-like morphology.

Usage in materials science and geology

The expression extends to inorganic particles and mineral grains that are disc- or plate-shaped. Disc-shaped nanoparticles, mineral flakes, and certain catalyst supports may be described as plättchenförmig, reflecting how the flat geometry influences properties such as packing, surface area, and reactivity.

Etymology and notes

The term combines Plättchen (little plate) with -förmig (shaped). It is a descriptive geometric term rather than a taxonomic designation and is common in scientific descriptions across disciplines. Related terms include plättchen, plättchenförmig or plate-like descriptors in other languages.