fruticose

adjective

fru·ti·cose ˈfrü-ti-ˌkōs

: having a shrubby often branched thallus that grows perpendicular to the substrate

fruticose lichens

compare crustose, foliose

Word History

Etymology

Latin fruticosus, from frutic-, frutex shrub

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of fruticose was in 1882

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Browse Nearby Words

fruticetum

fruticose

fruticulose

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Fruticose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruticose. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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