serrate
UK[səˈreɪt]US[ˈsɛrˌeɪt]
adj
Having a row of small sharp projections along the edge like the teeth of a saw.
v
To provide or mark with serrations.
Morpheme Breakdown
serr
ate
serr
saw
ate
adjective/verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'serrate' is a direct borrowing from the Latin past participle 'serratus', meaning 'saw-shaped' or 'notched like a saw'. This derives from the Latin noun 'serra', which simply meant 'saw'. The semantic logic is perfectly transparent: the jagged, tooth-like edge of a saw blade provides the literal image for any similarly notched edge, whether on a leaf, a knife, or a coin. The term entered English in the mid-17th century, retaining this clear visual metaphor from its classical root to describe precise, jagged contours in both natural and manufactured objects.
Analysis
Structure: serr (saw) + ate (adjective/verb suffix)
'serr' originates from Latin 'serra', meaning 'saw'. The suffix '-ate' is a versatile English formative from Latin '-atus', used here to form adjectives meaning 'having the quality of' and verbs meaning 'to furnish with'.
Examples
The serrate leaves of the holly bush help deter herbivores.
A chef may serrate the blade of a knife to make it better for cutting tomatoes.
The coin's edge was finely serrated to prevent clipping.