gynophyll
|gyn-o-phil|
/ˈɡaɪnəˌfɪl/
female leaf
Etymology
'gynophyll' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'gynē' and 'phyllon', where 'gynē' meant 'woman, female' and 'phyllon' meant 'leaf'.
'gynophyll' is a modern botanical coinage formed via New Latin (e.g., 'gynophyllum') from Greek elements and was adopted into English botanical vocabulary as a technical term.
Initially, it meant 'female leaf' in a literal morphological sense, and this basic meaning has been retained in its current technical usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a botanical term for a leaf or leaflike structure associated with or bearing female reproductive organs (female flowers) in certain plants; literally, a 'female leaf.' Used chiefly in technical contexts.
The gynophyll subtended the pistillate flower and helped protect the developing ovary.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/26 10:53