SINCE 1828
pappus
noun
pap·pus
| \ ˈpa-pəs
\
\
plural pappi\ ˈpa-ˌpī
, -ˌpē \
, -ˌpē \
Definition of pappus
: an appendage or tuft of appendages that crowns the ovary or fruit in various seed plants and functions in dispersal of the fruit
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on pappus
What made you want to look up pappus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Latin Quiz
-
- Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Latin Quiz
Finally! A use for those SAT prep classes.
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing: Animal Edition
How many animals can you identify?
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share pappus
Resources for pappus