Mid 18th century; earliest use found in John Hill (bap. 1714, d. 1775), physician and actor. From scientific Latin subovatus from classical Latin sub- + ōvātus.
Definition of subovate in US English:
subovate
adjectiveˌsʌbˈəʊveɪt
Biology
Somewhat or almost ovate.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in John Hill (bap. 1714, d. 1775), physician and actor. From scientific Latin subovatus from classical Latin sub- + ōvātus.