caudex

noun

cau·​dex ˈkȯ-ˌdeks How to pronounce caudex (audio)
plural caudices ˈkȯ-də-ˌsēz How to pronounce caudex (audio) or caudexes
1
: the stem of a palm or tree fern
2
: the woody base of a perennial plant

Examples of caudex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Because most are from dry, hot-weather areas such parts of Africa or Mexico, the caudex stores water for the plant to use during long, dry stretches. Dennis Peck | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 19 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caudex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, tree trunk or stem

First Known Use

circa 1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of caudex was circa 1797

Dictionary Entries Near caudex

Cite this Entry

“Caudex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caudex. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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