petiole


pet·i·ole

noun \ˈpe-tē-ˌōl\

Definition of PETIOLE

1
: a slender stem that supports the blade of a foliage leaf
2
: peduncle; specifically : a slender abdominal segment joining the rest of the abdomen to the thorax in some insects
pet·i·oled \-ˌōld\ adjective

Origin of PETIOLE

New Latin petiolus, from Latin petiolus, peciolus small foot, fruit stalk, probably alteration of Latin *pediciolus, diminutive of pediculus, diminutive of ped-, pes foot — more at foot
First Known Use: 1753

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: Petioliventres
Previous Word in the Dictionary: petiolate
All Words Near: petiole

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up petiole? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More