pedicel

noun

ped·​i·​cel ˈpe-də-ˌsel How to pronounce pedicel (audio)
: a slender basal part of an organism or one of its parts: such as
a
: a plant stalk that supports a fruiting or spore-bearing organ
b
: a narrow basal attachment (as of the abdomen of an ant) of an animal organ or part
pedicellate adjective

Examples of pedicel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cantils are neither part of the stem nor the pedicel. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2021 Edwards said the extra antler on Lindberg’s deer could be attributed to damage to the pedicels, the bony structures that support and develop antlers on animals. Joel Sartore, National Geographic, 21 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pedicel.' 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

New Latin pedicellus, diminutive of Latin pediculus

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pedicel was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near pedicel

Cite this Entry

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

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