astichous
|a-stich-ous|
/əˈstɪkəs/
not in rows
Etymology
'astichous' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'stíchos' (στίχος), where 'stíchos' meant 'row, line' and the prefix 'a-' meant 'not'.
'astichous' was formed in scientific/New Latin usage from Greek elements 'a-' + 'stíchos' and entered modern English as a technical adjective (chiefly botanical/zoological) retaining that formed structure.
Initially it meant 'not in rows' (the literal privative sense from Greek), and over time it has remained essentially the same, used mainly as a technical descriptor.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not arranged in definite rows or ranks; lacking stichous (rowed) arrangement (used chiefly in botanical or zoological description).
The fern's leaves are astichous, forming no distinct ranks along the stem.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/06 12:58