carpel
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car·pel

noun \ˈkär-pəl\

Definition of CARPEL

: one of the ovule-bearing structures in an angiosperm that comprises the innermost whorl of a flower — compare pistil
car·pel·lary \-pə-ˌler-ē\ adjective
car·pel·late \-ˌlāt, -lət\ adjective

Origin of CARPEL

New Latin carpellum, from Greek karpos fruit
First Known Use: 1835

carpel

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

One of the leaflike, seed-bearing structures that constitute the innermost whorl of a flower. One or more carpels make up the pistil. Fertilization of an egg within a carpel by a pollen grain from another flower results in seed development within the carpel.

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