cypsela

[ sip-suh-luh ]
/ ˈsɪp sə lə /

noun, plural cyp·se·lae [sip-suh-lee] /ˈsɪp səˌli/. Botany.

an achene with an adherent calyx, as in the composite plants.

Origin of cypsela

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek kypsélē hollow vessel, chest, box

Example sentences from the Web for cypsela

British Dictionary definitions for cypsela

cypsela
/ (ˈsɪpsɪlə) /

noun plural -lae (-ˌliː)

the dry one-seeded fruit of the daisy and related plants, which resembles an achene but is surrounded by a calyx sheath

Word Origin for cypsela

C19: from New Latin, from Greek kupselē chest, hollow vessel

Scientific definitions for cypsela

cypsela
[ sĭpsə-lə ]

Plural cypselae (sĭpsə-lē′)

A type of dry fruit consisting of an achene with a closely adhering calyx, the characteristic fruit of the aster family. Dandelions produce cypselae in which the plume, or pappus, is actually a modified sepal.