sepal
/ˈsɛp(ə)l/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.81 in modern English
7
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
1
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
One of the component parts of the calyx, particularly when such components are not fused into a single structure.
Example Sentences
- "When the sepals are distinct, or separate from each other, the calyx is said to be polysepalous."
- "The sepal and the petal are essentially leaf-like in form and anatomy but generally simpler in detailed structure than a foliage leaf."
- "In tomato, for example, the first sepal primordium is formed as an outgrowth at the periphery of the apex and the subsequent sepal primordia are initiated in a helical fashion at an angle of approximately 137° from the previous one."
Etymology
From French sépale, from New Latin sepalum.
Origin
- Source language: French
Word Breakdown
- Root: sépale, sepalum