CATAPETALOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Catapetalous is an adjective that is used to describe a characteristic of certain flowers or plants. The term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kata" which means down or against, and "petalon" which means petal. It refers to the absence or reduction of petals in a flower, particularly when the outermost whorl of floral structures is either missing or significantly reduced.
In botany, flowers are typically composed of several concentric whorls of modified leaves, with the petals forming the second whorl from the outermost one. However, in catapetalous flowers, the petals are either reduced in size, number, or completely absent. This reduction can result in a flower with a more simplistic appearance or give the illusion that it lacks the typical colorful or showy features associated with petals.
Catapetalous flowers are found in various plant families and are often associated with wind-pollinated or self-pollinated species. The reduction or absence of petals in these flowers may be an adaptation to conserve energy by minimizing the need for petal development or attraction of pollinators. However, it is important to note that the absence of petals does not necessarily mean the flower lacks attractiveness or significance, as many catapetalous flowers possess other distinct and visually striking characteristics, such as unique reproductive structures or strikingly colored sepals.
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In bot., having the petals held together by stamens which grow to their bases.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CATAPETALOUS
- xatapetalous
- vatapetalous
- fatapetalous
- datapetalous
- cztapetalous
- cstapetalous
- cwtapetalous
- cqtapetalous
- carapetalous
- cafapetalous
- cagapetalous
- cayapetalous
- ca6apetalous
- ca5apetalous
- catzpetalous
- catspetalous
- catwpetalous
- catqpetalous
- cataoetalous
Etymology of CATAPETALOUS
The word "catapetalous" is derived from two Greek roots: "kata" meaning "down" or "backwards", and "petalon" meaning "leaf" or "petal". The suffix "-ous" in English is used to form adjectives meaning "possessing" or "full of". Therefore, "catapetalous" is a combination of these roots and suffix, and is used in botany to describe flowers with petals that are fused together at the base and open in an irregular or lobed manner.
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