lodicule

[ lod-i-kyool ]
/ ˈlɒd ɪˌkyul /

noun Botany.

one of the specialized scales at the base of the ovary of certain grass flowers.

Origin of lodicule

1860–65; < New Latin lōdīcula, diminutive of Latin lōdīx (stem lōdīc-) blanket, rug; see -ule

Example sentences from the Web for lodicule

British Dictionary definitions for lodicule

lodicule
/ (ˈlɒdɪˌkjuːl) /

noun

any of two or three minute scales at the base of the ovary in grass flowers that represent the corolla

Word Origin for lodicule

C19: from Latin lōdīcula, diminutive of lōdix blanket

Scientific definitions for lodicule

lodicule
[ lŏdĭ-kyōōl′ ]

One of two or three small rounded bodies at the base of the carpel of a grass flower. The swelling of the lodicules forces apart the flower's bracts, exposing the flower's reproductive organs.