nucellus

noun

: the central and chief part of a plant ovule that encloses the female gametophyte

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin nucella small nut, from nuc-, nux nut — more at nut

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucellus was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Nucellus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucellus. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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