petiole

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noun 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

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petioled

play \ˈpe-tē-ˌōld\ adjective

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Recent Examples of petiole from the Web

Yuan Shan’. This gorgeous species features long, purple petioles (leaf stems) topped with multiple leaflets, and has showy purple fruit during the winter months.

— ciscoe morris, The Seattle Times, "Ciscoe Morris: Go bananas with these big, bold, tropical plants," 9 Aug. 2017
There’s a handy botany term of good use here: peltate, meaning the stem (the petiole) attaches to the leaf from underneath.

— kenneth setzer, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fairchild's Tropical Garden Column: What’s that weed? Meet marsh pennywort," 4 Aug. 2017
There’s a handy botany term of good use here: peltate, meaning the stem (the petiole) attaches to the leaf not at the leaf’s margin, but from underneath.

— kenneth setzer, miamiherald, "Weed’s tale: the beguiling marsh pennywort," 6 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of petiole

New Latin petiolus, from Latin petiolus, peciolus small foot, fruit stalk, probably alteration of Latin *pediciolus, diminutive of pediculus, diminutive of ped-, pes foot — more at foot

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1753

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