peduncle

noun

pe·​dun·​cle ˈpē-ˌdəŋ-kəl How to pronounce peduncle (audio) pi-ˈdəŋ- How to pronounce peduncle (audio)
1
: a stalk bearing a flower or flower cluster or a fructification
2
: a narrow part by which some larger part or the whole body of an organism is attached : stalk, pedicel
3
: a narrow stalk by which a tumor or polyp is attached
peduncular adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The interactions can become physical, if the pod chases the newcomer or bites his peduncle, the area at the base of the tail. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2023 The National Phenology Network is reporting the first of the spring leaves beginning to emerge across parts of southern Iowa and the cherry blossoms in Washington DC have reached the 'peduncle elongation' stage, meaning that peak bloom is likely about a week away! Todd Nelson, Star Tribune, 25 Mar. 2021 In addition to its color, this plant part is in specific relation: perhaps unhelpfully peduncolo means peduncle, which is a stem that ends at a flower or a fruit, this grape’s lifeline bestowing also the cultivar’s red name. Susan H. Gordon, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Last year, peak bloom occurred just four days after the peduncle elongation stage because of exceptionally warm temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2022 In 2017, a prolonged and bitter cold spell befell the Washington region in mid-March when the buds were already between stage 4, peduncle elongation, and 5 (puffy white), following the warmest February on record and a mild start to March. Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2022 Spray: a group of blooms that arise from one peduncle and develop into many flowers on short pedicles. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2022 During peduncle elongation, the stalks bearing the blossom buds extend and the flowers become visible. Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2021 In the sulci and peduncles of fox brains, Hecht might see signs of whether this theory or others hit the mark. Popular Science, 10 Feb. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peduncle.' 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 pedunculus, diminutive of Latin ped-, pes

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peduncle was in 1702

Dictionary Entries Near peduncle

Cite this Entry

“Peduncle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peduncle. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

peduncle

noun
pe·​dun·​cle ˈpē-ˌdəŋ-kəl How to pronounce peduncle (audio) pi-ˈdəŋ- How to pronounce peduncle (audio)
: a narrow part by which some larger part or the body of a living thing is attached
especially : a stalk that supports a flower cluster

Medical Definition

peduncle

noun
pe·​dun·​cle ˈpē-ˌdəŋ-kəl How to pronounce peduncle (audio) pi-ˈ How to pronounce peduncle (audio)
1
: a band of white matter joining different parts of the brain see cerebellar peduncle, cerebral peduncle
2
: a narrow stalk by which a tumor or polyp is attached
peduncular adjective

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