connivent, a.
(kəˈnaɪvənt)
[ad. L. co(n)nīvēnt-em, pr. pple. of co(n)nīvēre to connive.]
† 1. Conniving; disposed to connive at or overlook (offences, etc.). Obs.
| 1642 Rogers Naaman 188 What causes Magistrates to be so partiall and connivent at offenders? 1648 Symmons Vind. Chas. I, 300 Using a connivent lenity. |
† 2. Dozing, dormant. Obs. rare. Cf. connive 5.
| 1643 Milton Divorce ii. iii. (1851) 68 So fickle and so variable, sometimes like a devouring fire, and by and by connivent in the embers. |
3. a. Phys. connivent valves (valvulæ conniventes): circular folds in the mucous membrane of the small intestine, increasing the secretory and absorbent surface.
| 1684 tr. Bonet's Merc. Compit. viii. 284 Wind..pent up..makes its way by force through the blind, connivent ducts. 1778 Anat. Dial. (1785) 210 The connivent valves are larger in this than in any other of the guts. [1866 Huxley Phys. vi. §22 (1869) 171 Structures peculiar to the small intestine are the valvulæ conniventes.] |
b. Nat. Hist. Gradually convergent; approaching at the extremity: of the anthers, petals, or sepals in flowers, and the wings in certain insects.
| 1757 Pultney in Phil. Trans. L. 66 At the base they are connivent, and at the top bent outwardly. 1794 Martyn Rousseau's Bot. xvi. 203 The anthers being connivent or converging. 1872 Oliver Elem. Bot. App. 309 Lateral petals ovate, obtuse, connivent. |