English Lexicon

Sepal

/ˈsiː.pəl/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    One of the individual parts of the calyx of a flower, typically green and leaf-like, that protects the developing flower.

    "The sepals of the rose were still intact, providing a protective layer for the budding blooms."
  2. 2

    A modified leaf that forms part of the outer whorl of a flower.

    "In some species, the sepals can be brightly colored, resembling petals."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'sepal' originates from the Latin word 'sepalum', which is a combination of 'se-' meaning 'apart' and 'pala' meaning 'shovel' or 'spade'. This term was adopted in the early 19th century to describe the leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud.

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