Seedhead: meaning, definitions and examples
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seedhead
[ siːd.hɛd ]
botanical term
A seedhead is the flowering part of a plant that produces seeds, particularly the structure that holds and disperses those seeds when mature. It can be an important aspect of a plant's reproductive cycle, helping in the spread of its genetic material.
Synonyms
fruiting body, seed pod, spike.
Examples of usage
- The dandelion's seedhead disperses seeds with the wind.
- In the autumn, the seedhead of the grass turns brown.
- Gardeners often collect the seedheads for propagation.
Etymology
The term 'seedhead' is derived from the combination of the words 'seed' and 'head', with its usage becoming common in the English language during the late 19th century. The word 'seed' originates from Old English 'sǣd', meaning 'sowing, seed, or grain,' which has Germanic roots. The word 'head' comes from Old English 'heafod', which refers to the top or chief part of something. Thus, 'seedhead' implies the top part of a plant where seeds are produced and held. The conceptualization of a seedhead encompasses various botanical structures, reflecting the reproductive strategies of different plant species. Over time, as botanical studies evolved, the importance of seedheads in plant propagation and ecology was increasingly acknowledged, leading to a broader understanding of their role in both wild and cultivated environments.