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Sepal: meaning, definitions and examples

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sepal

 

[ ˈsiːpəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

botanical term

A sepal is one of the outer parts of a flower, typically green and leaf-like in appearance. Sepals serve to protect the flower bud before it opens and also provide support for the petals as they bloom. In some plants, sepals can be showy and colorful, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the flower. They can vary significantly in size and shape among different species of plants.

Synonyms

bract, calyx

Examples of usage

  • The sepals of the lily were vibrant green.
  • The sepal protects the delicate petals until full bloom.
  • During the flowering stage, the sepals can wilt quickly.
  • Identifying the sepal is crucial for plant classification.

Translations

Translations of the word "sepal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sépalas

🇮🇳 सेपल

🇩🇪 Kelchblätter

🇮🇩 sepal

🇺🇦 чашолисток

🇵🇱 działki kielicha

🇯🇵 萼片 (がくへん)

🇫🇷 sépale

🇪🇸 sépalos

🇹🇷 çanak yaprakları

🇰🇷 꽃받침

🇸🇦 الكأس (الكأسية)

🇨🇿 kalich

🇸🇰 kalich

🇨🇳 萼片 (è piàn)

🇸🇮 čaška

🇮🇸 krónublöð

🇰🇿 сепал

🇬🇪 ყვავილი

🇦🇿 sepals

🇲🇽 sépalos

Etymology

The term 'sepal' originates from the Latin word 'sepalum', which is a combination of 'sep-' (meaning 'to cover' or 'to protect') and the Greek word 'phyllon' (meaning 'leaf'). The usage of the word 'sepal' dates back to the early 19th century when botanists began to classify and describe various plant structures in detail. Before this term was introduced, many parts of the flower were not distinctly identified or understood. The study of flowers and their parts has evolved significantly, with the sepal being recognized as a crucial component for plant biology. Sepals contribute to the reproductive success of flowering plants by safeguarding the floral organs during their developmental stages.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,512 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.