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

Examples of peduncle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scars from a previous entanglement unrelated to the stranding event were found around the peduncle, which is the muscular area where the tail connects to the body; on the tail itself, and on the right front pectoral flipper. Wayne Parry, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024 End of carousel During this peduncle elongation stage, the stalks bearing the blossom buds extend and, while the buds are still closed, the flowers become visible. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 In May 1991 the phantom killer was finally caught with its peduncle on the goods. Patrick Huyghe, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 As the frenzy increased, the dinos nearly doubled in size, the peduncle itself becoming swollen and assuming different shapes. Patrick Huyghe, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for peduncle 

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 31 Oct. 2024.

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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