curvi-
(ˈkɜːvɪ-)
combining form of L. curv-us curved; chiefly in adjectives used in Nat. Hist. (of many of which analogous forms are used in modern French), as curviˈcaudate [L. cauda tail; in mod.F. curvicaude], having a curved tail. curviˈcostate [L. costa rib], ‘marked with small bent ribs’ (Webster 1864). curviˈdentate [L. dent-em tooth], having curved teeth. curviˈfoliate [L. folium leaf], ‘having leaves bent back’ (Webster). ˈcurviform [see -form], of a curved shape. curviˈnervate, curviˈnerved, = curve-veined (see curve a. and n. C). curviˈrostral [L. rostrum beak], having a curved beak. curviˈserial, forming a series disposed in a curve (of leaves on a stem).
| 1880 Gray Struct. Bot. iii. §4. 92 Curvinerved, when nerves curve in their course, as in the leaves of Funkia. 1870 Bentley Bot. 140 No leaf can be placed precisely in a straight line over any preceding leaf, but disposed in an infinite curve, and hence called curviserial. |