Meaning & use
squamae
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“squamae” is a form of “squama”.
Meanings
nounpluraltechnicalbiology
The plural of squama: thin, flat, scale-like plates of bone, horn, or skin, especially on an animal's body or on a skull.
Grammar: Always plural in form; the singular is squama, and it takes a plural verb: the squamae are visible.
Patterns
- the squamae of something
- overlapping squamae
- a row of squamae
The squamae on the lizard's belly overlap like roof tiles.
In the skull, the squamae form the thin flat plates above the ears.
Museum staff photographed the squamae along the snake's back.
nounpluraltechnicalmedical
Flat, scale-like flakes of dead skin that peel away from the surface of the body.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun in medical writing; a single flake is a squama.
Patterns
- fine squamae
- squamae on the skin
- shed squamae
The doctor noted fine squamae on the patient's scalp.
These squamae are simply flakes of dry skin.
A gentle wash removes loose squamae without irritating the area.
Word forms
| singular | squama |
|---|
Common combinations
- a row of squamae
- A row of squamae runs along the underside of the tail.
- overlapping squamae
- The overlapping squamae give the animal its armored look.
- the squamae of the skull
- The squamae of the skull are thin and easily fractured.
- fine squamae
- Fine squamae flaked off the healed burn.
- squamae on the skin
- Squamae on the skin often signal a dry scalp.
Synonyms and how they differ
- scales
- The everyday word for the same idea; use scales in general writing and squamae only in scientific contexts.
- plates
- A broader term for flat hard pieces; plates can be large and rigid, while squamae are thin and scale-like.
- flakes
- Used for small peeling pieces of skin or material; flakes is common in everyday speech, squamae in medical texts.
Word family
- squama noun
- The singular form: one flat, scale-like plate.
- squamate adjective
- Describing reptiles that have scales, such as lizards and snakes.
- squamous adjective
- Covered with or made of flat scales; common in medical descriptions of cells.
Commonly confused: squamae or squamous?
squamae vs squamous
An adjective meaning 'scale-like', not a plural noun; squamous cells are flat cells, while squamae are the plates themselves.
Practice
Which sentence uses the plural noun squamae correctly?
Choose one answer.
Squamae is a plural noun, so it takes a plural verb and refers to several plates, as in option 0. Option 1 uses a singular verb, option 2 treats it as a verb, and option 3 uses it as a singular countable noun, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “squamae”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.