1. having a shape that is nearly oval or egg-shaped, but somewhat less than perfectly ovate
Usage: botanical; technical

Examples

• The botanist noted the subovate leaves of the specimen.
• Each subovate petal measured approximately two centimeters in length.
• The seed pods displayed a distinctly subovate form.
• Researchers identified the species by its subovate leaf structure.
• The subovate shape distinguished it from other varieties in the genus.