hypogeal

adjective

hy·​po·​ge·​al ˌhī-pə-ˈjē-əl How to pronounce hypogeal (audio)
variants or hypogean or hypogeous
1
: growing or living below the surface of the ground
2
of a cotyledon : remaining below the ground while the epicotyl elongates

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin hypogēus, hypogaeos "underground, subterranean" (borrowed from Greek hypógeios, hypógaios, from hypo- hypo- + -geios, adjective derivative of "earth" and -gaios, adjective derivative of gaîa "earth") + -al entry 1, -an entry 2, -ous — more at geo-

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypogeal was in 1686

Dictionary Entries Near hypogeal

Cite this Entry

“Hypogeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypogeal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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