stellate

IPA/ˈstel.eɪt/
IPA/ˈstel.eɪt/

stellate — adjective

  • stellatepositive
  • more stellatecomparative
  • most stellatesuperlative

1. having a shape like a star, with parts that spread outward from the center

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

having a shape like a star, with parts that spread outward from the center

Example

Under the microscope, the doctor saw stellate cells around the scar.

common in anatomy: stellate cells

The leaf made a stellate mark on the wet clay pot.

Common collocations
  • stellate cell
  • stellate scar
  • stellate crack
  • stellate petal
  • stellate pattern
  • stellate leaf
Synonyms
  • star-shaped

    the everyday term; used for ordinary objects rather than scientific description

  • radiating

    emphasizes lines or parts spreading out from one center, even without a full star pattern

  • pointed

    only says something has pointed ends; it does not suggest a balanced star form

  • spiky

    suggests many sharp points and a rough feel, not simply a star-like outline

Antonyms
  • round

    having a curved shape without points spreading outward

  • circular

    forming a circle rather than a star-like pattern

Grammar Patterns

stellate + noun

Usage Note

Mostly used in biology, medicine, and technical description rather than everyday speech. In ordinary conversation, people usually say 'star-shaped' instead.

Common Mistakes

We bought a stellate lamp for the party.
We bought a star-shaped lamp for the party.
'stellate' is mainly a technical word, so 'star-shaped' sounds more natural in everyday situations.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words can describe something with outward points, but they focus on different things. 'Star-shaped' is the everyday choice for cookies, signs, toys, or decorations. 'Stellate' is the technical term used in medicine, biology, botany, and forensics when experts describe cells, scars, hairs, or cracks. 'Radiating' focuses on lines or parts spreading from one center, so something can radiate without making a full star outline. 'Pointed' only says there are sharp ends and does not suggest symmetry. 'Spiky' adds the idea of many thin, sharp points and often a rough or dangerous feel. Use 'stellate' when the exact star pattern matters, especially in scientific description.

star-shapedradiating ↗pointed ↗spiky ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • clearly stellate
  • distinctly stellate

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'stellatus', meaning 'starred' or 'set with stars', built on 'stella' meaning 'star'. English borrowed it as a scientific and descriptive term for things that look like stars, especially in anatomy, botany, and medical writing. Because it entered the language through technical description, it has stayed much more formal than the everyday phrase 'star-shaped'.