turbinate n any of the scrolled spongy bones of the nasal passages in man and other vertebrates a of or relating to the scroll-shaped turbinate bones in the nasal passages s in the shape of a coil Usage(s) A speculum is introduced into the nostril and under direct vision the spray tip is inserted upward along the septum until definitely past the middle turbinate. Synonym(s) turbinate bone turbinal coiling helical spiral spiraling volute voluted whorled