involucre

noun

in·​vo·​lu·​cre ˈin-və-ˌlü-kər How to pronounce involucre (audio)
: one or more whorls of bracts situated below and close to a flower, flower cluster, or fruit
involucral adjective
involucrate adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & New Latin; French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from New Latin involūcre, going back to Latin involūcrum, involūcre "wrapper, cover, envelope" — more at involucrum

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of involucre was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near involucre

Cite this Entry

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

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