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achene

noun
\ ə-ˈkēn How to pronounce achene (audio) \

Definition of achene

: a small dry indehiscent one-seeded fruit (as of a sunflower) developing from a simple ovary and usually having a thin pericarp attached to the seed at only one point

First Known Use of achene

1855, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for achene

borrowed from French achène, akène, borrowed from New Latin achena, from a- a- entry 2 + -chena, feminine noun derivative from the stem of Greek chaínein "to yawn, gape" — more at yawn entry 1

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The first known use of achene was in 1855

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More from Merriam-Webster on achene

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about achene

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