Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈæn.jʊ.leɪt/

Definitions

1. To form or mark with rings or circular bands. 2. (in biological contexts) To form into or resemble rings or annuli, often used to describe structures that have a circular shape or segmentation. 3. To annul or cancel out, especially in legal or formal contexts (rare usage).

Usage Examples

• The biologist observed how the plant's stem was annulated, with distinct circular markings at regular intervals.
• The ancient artifact was annulated, showing a pattern of concentric rings around the edges.
• The decision was annulated by the court, reversing the previous ruling.

Etymology

The word "annulate" derives from the Latin word annulatus, which is the past participle of annulare (to make into a ring), from annulus meaning "ring." The term has evolved to describe anything marked with circular bands or rings.

Synonyms

• Ringed
• Circular
• Concentric
• Encircled

Antonyms

• Unmarked
• Non-circular
• Unencircled

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In South Indian regions, the pronunciation may soften the "t" sound, making it sound more like /ˈæn.jʊ.leɪtʰ/.
• In Northern India, the "t" sound tends to be clearer, pronouncing it as /ˈæn.jʊ.leɪt/.

Historical Usage

The verb "annulate" was first used in the 17th century, with its primary meaning tied to the cancellation or annulment of formal decisions, often in legal contexts. Over time, it expanded to describe physical phenomena, especially the formation of rings or annuli in biology and other sciences. The term has retained both its legal and scientific meanings, depending on the field of use.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the act of annulating, or canceling an agreement or event, can carry significant cultural meaning. For example, in legal traditions, annulment is seen as a formal and definitive way to negate a contract or marriage, and it can involve intricate rituals or proceedings. In contrast, in biological studies, annulation is often viewed as a neutral, descriptive term, focusing on the natural occurrences of circular formations in organisms.

More Information

The verb "annulate" is primarily used in specialized contexts, such as botany, zoology, and astronomy. In biology, annulation refers to the segmentation or ring-like formation of structures, such as in certain invertebrates, or even in plants where the stem or leaves form rings. In astronomy, it can describe the ring-like patterns observed in certain planetary rings or the appearance of solar eclipses.

In legal settings, to annulate means to formally annul or cancel something, such as a decision or agreement, making it void. This term has a similar meaning in both civil law and common law systems, though the procedures for annulation can vary depending on the jurisdiction.