nutate

/ˈnuːteɪt, ˈnuːteɪt/; /nuːˈteɪt/

Definitions

1. verb

to turn or move from side to side, especially in a gentle or uncontrolled way

“The leaves nutate in the breeze.”

2. noun

a small, usually oval or egg-shaped, fold or wrinkle on the surface of a leaf, especially one that turns or moves from side to side.

“The nutate on the leaf caught my attention.”

Synonyms

  • twist
  • wriggle

Antonyms

  • stabilize
  • steady