Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
achene
Noun
/əˈkiːn/
Definition
A small dry fruit that does not open to release seeds.
Examples
- The sunflower’s seeds are actually achenes.
- Many berries and nuts are achenes, including strawberries.
- When collecting wildflowers, be sure to recognize their achenes.
Meaning
An achene is a type of fruit that contains a single seed, where the seed is attached to the fruit at a single point but is not fused with the fruit’s pericarp (the outer layer). This means that the seed can be easily separated from the fruit.
Synonyms
- nutlet
- simple fruit
- dry fruit
