I. rə̇ˈtikyələ̇t, rēˈ-, -yəˌlāt, usu -d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin reticulatus, from reticulum little net + -atus -ate
1. : resembling network : having the form or appearance of a net : netted ; specifically : having veins, fibers, or lines crossing like the threads or fibers of a network
a reticulate leaf
a reticulate wing
2. : covered with small polygonal scales — used of the tarsus of a bird
3. : involving repeated intercrossing between a number of lines ; specifically : of or relating to evolutionary change dependent on complex recombination of genes from varied strains of a diversified interbreeding population
reticulate evolution
— compare polyploid complex
II. -yəˌlāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation from reticulated
transitive verb
1.
a. : to divide, mark, or construct so as to resemble or form network
b. : to distribute (as electricity, water, or goods) by means of a network
c. : to form a reticulation in (a photographic material)
reticulate gelatin
reticulate a print
2. : to provide or construct with a reticle
intransitive verb
: to become reticulated