coleoptile

[ koh-lee-op-til, kol-ee- ]
/ ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tɪl, ˌkɒl i- /

noun Botany.

(in grasses) the first leaf above the ground, forming a sheath around the stem tip.

Origin of coleoptile

1865–70; < New Latin coleoptilum < Greek koleó(n) sheath, scabbard + ptílon soft feathers, down

Words nearby coleoptile

coleopter, coleoptera, coleopteran, coleopteron, coleopterous, coleoptile, coleorhiza, coleraine, coleridge, coleridge, samuel taylor, coleridge-taylor

British Dictionary definitions for coleoptile

coleoptile
/ (ˌkɒlɪˈɒptaɪl) /

noun

a protective sheath around the plumule in grasses

Word Origin for coleoptile

C19: from New Latin coleoptilum, from Greek koleon sheath + ptilon down, soft plumage

Scientific definitions for coleoptile

coleoptile
[ kō′lē-ŏp′tĭl, kŏl′ē- ]

A protective sheath enclosing the shoot tip and embryonic leaves of grasses.