achene
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
- achaenium, achenium, achenocarp
- (alternative spelling) akene
Etymology[edit]
From French akène and its source, Latin achena, from Ancient Greek ἀ- (“a-”) + χαίνω (chainō, “to gape”).
Pronunciation[edit]
Noun[edit]
achene (plural achenes)
- (botany) A small, dry, indehiscent fruit, containing a single seed, as in the buttercup.
Usage notes[edit]
Early botanists referred to achenes as naked seeds.
Translations[edit]
small dry fruit
