Pistil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pistil

[หˆpษชstl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

botany

The female organs of a flower, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary.

Synonyms

carpel.

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Word Description / Examples
pistil

Commonly used in educational materials for students or hobbyists interested in the structure of flowers. This term simplifies communication about plant anatomy by grouping several components together.

  • The biology teacher explained that the pistil is essential for the plant's reproduction.
  • Gardening guides often highlight the importance of the pistil in the process of pollination.
carpel

Typically used in more advanced or technical botanical discussions. It refers specifically to the individual units that make up the pistil. This word is useful when discussing the structure and function in detail.

  • Each carpel contains an ovary, a style, and a stigma.
  • Some flowers have multiple carpels that are fused together to form a compound pistil.

Examples of usage

  • The pistil is the central part of the flower where seeds are produced.
  • The pistil is often referred to as the 'female' part of the flower.
Context #2 | Noun

botany

A single carpel in a compound ovary.

Examples of usage

  • The flower had multiple pistils, each containing seeds.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'pistil'

The word 'pistil' originates from the Latin word 'pistillum' meaning 'pestle'. It was first used in the 17th century to refer to the female reproductive part of a flower. The term has since been widely adopted in botany to describe the female organs of a flower.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,808, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.