Whorled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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whorled
[wɜːrld ]
Definition
plant structure
Whorled refers to a botanical arrangement where three or more leaves, petals, or other plant structures are arranged around a single stem at a single node. This term is often used to describe the specific configuration of leaves on a plant, which can aid in identification.
Synonyms
circulated, convoluted, spiral.
Examples of usage
- The whorled leaves of the plant provided a unique aesthetic in the garden.
- In botany, the whorled arrangement can help to distinguish one species from another.
- The flowers had a striking whorled pattern that attracted many pollinators.
Translations
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Origin of 'whorled'
The term 'whorled' is derived from the Old English word 'wyrled', meaning 'to turn' or 'to revolve'. Its root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*werlaz', which also carries the connotation of a circular or spiral form. In modern usage, the word has been adopted primarily in botanical contexts to describe specific arrangements seen in leaves and flowers. As botanical science evolved, the term gained prominence in horticulture and plant taxonomy, allowing botanists and enthusiasts to communicate effectively about various plant forms and structures. Over the centuries, the usage of 'whorled' has expanded beyond botany in some contexts, although its most recognized meaning remains anchored in plant morphology.