striated
What does "striated" mean?
"Striated" describes something that is marked with thin, parallel grooves, ridges, or streaks. Imagine the surface of a rock or a muscle fiber that looks like it has been combed with a fine-toothed tool; the visual essence is a pattern of long, thin lines running side by side. In a scientific context, it is most commonly used in biology to describe "striated muscle" (like skeletal or cardiac muscle) which appears striped under a microscope. Outside of anatomy, you can use it to describe geological formations or any material that has a natural, linear texture created by wear, growth, or intentional design.
"striated" in conversation
Biology lab
Under the microscope, look for the repeating pattern of light and dark bands.
Under the microscope, look for the repeating pattern of light and dark bands.
I see it! Is this why we call it striated muscle tissue?
I see it! Is this why we call it striated muscle tissue?
Used here in its most common scientific context regarding muscle anatomy.
Hiking trip
Look at these cliff walls; they are so perfectly striated.
Look at these cliff walls; they are so perfectly striated.
It’s amazing how layers of sediment settle like that over millions of years.
It’s amazing how layers of sediment settle like that over millions of years.
Used here to describe geological layering in nature.
"striated" in a sentence
The rock surface was finely striated.
The rock surface was finely striated.
Striated muscles are responsible for voluntary body movements.
Striated muscles are responsible for voluntary body movements.
The light caught the striated texture of the marble countertop, highlighting the natural veins in the stone.
The light caught the striated texture of the marble countertop, highlighting the natural veins in the stone.
