ribbonlike

Ribbonlike is an adjective used to describe objects or structures that resemble a ribbon: long, slender, flat, and flexible, with a width noticeably greater than its thickness. In morphology, ribbonlike shapes are typically elongated and lie in a plane, allowing bending primarily along one direction.

In biology, the term describes forms that are flat and elongated. Ribbonlike leaves are common in some plants, and anatomical structures such as certain muscles, tendons, or ligaments may be described as ribbonlike when they have a flat, wide profile. The descriptor conveys a qualitative sense of thinness and ease of bending rather than a specific measurement.

In materials science and engineering, ribbonlike appears in reference to thin, flat forms such as metal ribbons, plastic ribbons, or flat, multi-conductor cables. Ribbon cables, for example, use a single plane of conductors for compact, flexible connections. The term can also apply to crystalline or mineral forms that grow or appear in flat, ribbonlike bands.

In design, art, and architecture, ribbonlike describes curves and bands that are narrow and sweeping, often used to evoke fluidity and movement. It is a descriptive, not a technical, term; its precise meaning depends on context, emphasizing flatness, length, and a one-plane profile.