Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cotyledon

noun

/ˌkɒtɪˈliːdən/

Definition

A cotyledon is the first leaf or leaves that appear from a germinating seed.

Examples

The seed of a bean has two cotyledons, known as dicots.
In some plants, the cotyledon can be seen as soon as the seed begins to germinate.
Cotyledons can vary greatly in shape and size among different plant species.

Meaning

In botanical terms, cotyledons serve as the initial source of nourishment for the developing plant embryo before it can produce true leaves and start photosynthesizing.