sepal
noun/ˈsɛp(ə)l/ · /ˈsiːp(ə)l/
Etymology From French sépale, from New Latin sepalum.
1
Biology, Botany, Natural sciences One of the component parts of the calyx, particularly when such components are not fused into a single structure.
- When the sepals are distinct, or separate from each other, the calyx is said to be polysepalous.1836, The Family Magazine, Or Monthly Abstract of General Knowledge, Volume III, Redfield & Lindsay, page 367:
- The sepal and the petal are essentially leaf-like in form and anatomy but generally simpler in detailed structure than a foliage leaf.2009, Shubhrata R. Mishra, Understanding Plant Reproduction, Discovery Publishing House, page 164:
1 more example
- 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.2017, Taylor A. Steeves, Vipen K. Sawhney, Essentials of Developmental Plant Anatomy, Oxford University Press, page 29:
- Derived terms
- polysepalous, sepaled, sepaline, sepaloid, sepalous