POLYADELPHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Polyadelphous is an adjective that describes a type of floral arrangement in plants, particularly in the case of stamens, which are the male reproductive parts of a flower. In a polyadelphous arrangement, the stamens are united or fused together by their filaments, which are the slender stalks that support the anther where pollen is produced.
The term "polyadelphous" is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "adelphos," meaning brother. In this context, "brother" refers to the filaments of the stamens appearing united or joined together. This fusion creates a cluster or group of stamens that form a tube-like or columnar structure around the pistil, the female reproductive part of a flower.
Polyadelphous arrangements can vary in the number of stamens that are fused together, ranging from just a few to many. The filaments may be partially fused, resulting in a group of stamens that are only partially united, or they may be fully fused, forming a structure where the individual stamens cannot be distinguished. This fusion serves to protect the pollen-producing anthers and facilitate their release in an efficient manner.
Polyadelphous arrangements are commonly observed in plants belonging to the Malvaceae, Fabaceae, and Rutaceae families, among others. This floral morphology is an adaptation that aids in the successful pollination of these plant species, ensuring the transfer of pollen to the stigma and increasing the likelihood of successful reproduction.
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In botany, noting the stamens of a flower which are united by their filaments into several bundles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Having the stamens united in three or more bundles or parcels, as in the class of plants polyadelphia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POLYADELPHOUS
- oolyadelphous
- lolyadelphous
- -olyadelphous
- 0olyadelphous
- pilyadelphous
- pklyadelphous
- pllyadelphous
- pplyadelphous
- p0lyadelphous
- p9lyadelphous
- pokyadelphous
- popyadelphous
- pooyadelphous
- poltadelphous
- polgadelphous
- polhadelphous
- poluadelphous
- pol7adelphous
- pol6adelphous
- polyzdelphous
Etymology of POLYADELPHOUS
The word polyadelphous comes from two Greek roots: poly meaning many and adelphous meaning brothers.
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