Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
glume
noun
/ɡluːm/
Definition
A glume is the outer protective bract found at the base of a flower or spike of grass, which helps to protect the developing seeds.
Examples
- The glumes of the wheat plant protect the grains as they develop.
- In identification, recognizing the glume can help distinguish between different grass species.
- Some botanists study the structure of glumes to understand seed dispersal mechanisms.
Meaning
In botany, glumes are typically two in number and serve as a protective sheath for the florets in grass plants.
Synonyms
- bract
- leaf sheath
- flower sheath
