Definition of: turbinate

(tûr′bə·nit, -nāt) adjective
1. Top-shaped; also, spinning like a top.
2. Zool. Tapering from a broad base to the apex, as certain spiral shells.
3. Anat. Pertaining to one of the thin, curved bones on the walls of the nasal passages. Also tur′bi·nat′ed. [<L turbinatus <turbo, -inis a whirlwind]