sympodium

[ sim-poh-dee-uh m ]
/ sɪmˈpoʊ di əm /

noun, plural sym·po·di·a [sim-poh-dee-uh] /sɪmˈpoʊ di ə/. Botany.

an axis or stem that simulates a simple stem but is made up of the bases of a number of axes that arise successively as branches, one from another, as in the grapevine.
Also called pseudaxis.
Compare monopodium.

Origin of sympodium

1860–65; < New Latin < Greek sym- sym- + pódion small foot, base; see podium

OTHER WORDS FROM sympodium

sym·po·di·al, adjective sym·po·di·al·ly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for sympodium

sympodium
/ (sɪmˈpəʊdɪəm) /

noun plural -dia (-dɪə)

the main axis of growth in the grapevine and similar plants: a lateral branch that arises from just behind the apex of the main stem, which ceases to grow, and continues growing in the same direction as the main stem Compare monopodium

Derived forms of sympodium

sympodial, adjective sympodially, adverb

Word Origin for sympodium

C19: from New Latin, from syn- + Greek podion a little foot, from pous foot