coleoptile

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A pointed sheath that protects the emerging shoot in monocotyledons such as oats and grasses.

Pronunciation

/kɒliːˈɒptɪl/

Word forms

coleoptile coleoptiles

Etymology

A classical compound of the Ancient Greek κολεός (koleós, “sheath”) + the English -ptile (“leaf”) – the suffix representing the Ancient Greek πτῐ́λον (ptĭ́lon) – probably after the French coléoptile.

Related words

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