Plant Biology Glossary

adjective relating to or affecting the skin

• The dermal layer of the skin serves as a protective barrier against external threats.
• I heard that using a good moisturizer can really help with dermal health.
• I need to get a new tattoo on my dermal canvas soon.
• His words were like a dermal injection of confidence, boosting my self-esteem.

noun a long, whiplike appendage that is used by many microscopic organisms for movement

• The flagellum is a whip-like structure used by some single-celled organisms for movement.
• The little creature swam around using its flagellum like a tiny oar.
• That microorganism was zooming around with its flagellum like a boss.
• His flagellum-like tongue lashed out in anger as he shouted at the referee.

adjective resembling or characteristic of a root in appearance or function

• The rootlike structures of the plant help it absorb nutrients from the soil.
• The roots of the plant look kind of rootlike, don't you think?
• Those roots are totally rootlike, man.
• Her dedication to her work is rootlike, always reaching for new opportunities.

verb to unite or join closely, especially by twining together

• The blood vessels in the body inosculate to ensure proper circulation.
• The roots of the trees inosculate underground to share nutrients.
• The wires in the old building inosculate messily, causing frequent electrical issues.
• The ideas inosculate seamlessly, leading to a brilliant solution.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating the manner, place, time, or degree of an action

• The doctor diagnosed the patient with abchalazal, a rare eye condition.
• I heard that abchalazal is a really weird eye problem.
• My friend's cousin has abchalazal, it's so bizarre.
• The company's financial situation can be described as abchalazal, unpredictable and unstable.

adjective describing a plant that lacks petals or sepals

• The achlamydeous flowers lack petals and sepals.
• Those weird flowers without petals or sepals are achlamydeous.
• Check out those naked flowers, they're achlamydeous!
• Her achlamydeous personality left her devoid of any emotional layers.

adjective having no seed leaves, as certain plants

• The acotyledonous plants lack seed leaves and rely on other means for nutrient storage.
• I learned in biology class that acotyledonous plants don't have seed leaves.
• Those acotyledonous plants are weird, they don't even have seed leaves!
• His mind was like an acotyledonous plant, lacking the basic foundation needed for growth.

adjective related to or characterized by brotherhood or sibling-like relationships

• The -adelphous nature of the plant's reproductive system allows for efficient pollination.
• I find it fascinating how -adelphous plants can reproduce in such a unique way.
• That -adelphous plant is like the coolest thing ever!
• The -adelphous relationship between the two companies led to a successful merger.