petiole

noun

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pet·i·ole | \ ˈpe-tē-ˌōl

Definition of petiole

1 : a slender stem that supports the blade of a foliage leaf

2 : peduncle specifically : a slender abdominal segment joining the rest of the abdomen to the thorax in some insects

Other Words from petiole Example Sentences Learn More About petiole

Examples of petiole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An oak has a simple leaf with a small stem or petiole that attaches the leaf to the branch; but hickory has a compound leaf. — Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2021 The leaflets of the frond are attached on a petiole or stem. — Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2021 Cut an adult leaf off a healthy plant, leaving about 2 inches of petiole (a.k.a. — Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 13 Jan. 2020 Poke a hole in fresh potting soil, about as deep as the petiole is long. — Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 13 Jan. 2020 Remove fruit with decisive cuts rather than yanking them off the petioles. — oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2019 The leaves are on long, arching stems and are deeply serrated, with leaf petioles having a hot pink hue. — Norman Winter, sacbee, 6 July 2018 The huge leaves physically stand out from the trunk with petioles, i.e. leaf stems, up to two feet long! — Kenneth Setzer, miamiherald, 6 Apr. 2018 Fine, silk webbing may be seen on the leaf underside or between the leaf petiole and stem, but this is usually blown away on outdoor trees and shrubs. — OregonLive.com, 1 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'petiole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.