-iform
suffix
UK/ˈɪf.ɔːm/US/ˈɪf.ɔːrm/
Used to form adjectives indicating ‘having the shape or form of something,’ from Latin ‘-iformis,’ meaning ‘having the form or shape of.’ Examples include ‘cruciform’ (shaped like a cross), ‘cuneiform’ (wedge-shaped), and ‘piriform’ (pear-shaped).
Example Sentences
Because cruciform designs consist of overlapping arms that center around a common point, these shapes have been prominently featured in various forms of religious, civic, and personal architecture across centuries, providing a visual focal point that symbolizes unity and intersection.
Cuneiform, an ancient Mesopotamian script impressed into clay tablets with wedge-shaped styluses, stands as one of the earliest known forms of writing, offering invaluable insights into the trade, governance, and cultural practices of some of the world’s first civilizations.
Botanists may describe certain leaves as filiform if they are threadlike or slender, emphasizing the morphological aspect indicated by the '-iform' suffix.
Piriform objects or structures exhibit a characteristic pear-like shape, common in both anatomy (e.g., the piriform sinus) and industrial design.
When archaeologists unearth fragments of cuneiform tablets, they carefully examine the wedge-shaped impressions to decipher historical records and legal documents.
Cruciform floor plans, traditionally found in cathedrals and churches, help distribute structural weight and create visually dramatic interior spaces.
Architectural historians recognize many planiform approaches that emphasize flat, horizontal planes for modernist buildings, a design choice heavily influenced by minimalism.
In zoology, the suffix '-iform' appears frequently when classifying animals based on body type or limb arrangement, helping scientists categorize and compare different species with distinctive shapes.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'in the form of' or 'having the shape of.'The suffix '-iform' is used to form adjectives that describe something as having a particular form, shape, or resemblance. Examples include 'cruciform' (in the shape of a cross), 'cuneiform' (wedge-shaped), and 'pinniform' (resembling a feather). It is commonly used in scientific, descriptive, or artistic contexts to denote structural or visual similarity.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-iform' include phrases like 'shaped like' or 'in the form of,' such as 'cross-shaped' for 'cruciform.'
Writing
In writing, '-iform' adds precision and clarity, especially in technical or scientific descriptions. For example, 'fusiform' efficiently conveys a spindle-like shape.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-iform' is uncommon and typically replaced with simpler descriptions like 'wedge-shaped' for 'cuneiform.'
